Episode 35 – Is The Doctor In? Mid-Level Providers What You Need To Know

Send us Fan MailYou slipped on a slick floor and it hurts but you’re not sure if you tore something or just have a really bad case of tendonitis. You go to your local urgent care clinic, or doctor's office, and you’re seen by a physician assistant (PA), who examines you, says everything is structurally intact, and you should use ice, elevate your arm and take some ibuprofen for the pain.What the PA said makes sense, but shouldn’t you see -- you know -- the doctor?Healthcare has changed especially post COVID and there is a shortage of providers… and practices are becoming more dependent on mid-level providers like Nurse Practitioners (NP) and Physician Assistants (PA).  In fact, you may find that you rarely see the physician that you have been under the care of for many months or years. Is this, okay?  Are mid-level providers qualified to provide the care you need?  If your concerned, should you say something or go with the flow?To get into this topic today, I am excited to have Drs. Tim and May Hindmarsh on the show.They are dual physician power couple who have a blast doing life together for the past 30 years. They are both Board Certified Family Practice Physicians who were born, raised and trained in Canada and migrated to the USA in 1994. They have practiced rural medicine, hospital, OB, and outpatient medicine for almost 30 years and they currently practice at an Urgent Care.  They are also podcast hosts for BS Free MD where they bring a raw, real, fun approach to life and their adventures. Described as a “ gas and brake” experience, Tim and May are always on the go.  They are passionate and love laughing at their medical experiences as well as getting into serious discussions on the issues in healthcare today.  Never boring they bring a lighter approach to the often mundane Medical world.Today we will discuss:1. Defining Mid-Level providers and their roles and education.2) What are the current trends we are seeing with mid-levels?3) What steps can consumers take if they are concerned that they don’t get to see the physician? Resources:Email: [email protected] Free MD WebsiteBS Free MD PodcastBS Free MD RumbleSupport the show