M.D, D.O. APN, or PA, When you're sick does it matter?

**RealLiveMD** · 06-22-2011, 10:51 AM

This is sort of some free market research. Just wondering if anyone really cares about what type of health professional they see. Also, I'm wondering if lay people really know the difference? So... post up.

**FSANE** · 06-22-2011, 11:07 AM

MD and DO are real doctors. APN is a nurse. PA are just Physician assistants

**FSANE** · 06-22-2011, 11:10 AM

If I am sick and at the hospital it doesn't matter. but if I am looking for a personal physician, it would be MD and/ or DO. either way APN and PA cannot work without a MD in the facility.

**Spikito** · 06-22-2011, 11:34 AM

they dont have to be in the facility, they work under their license, APN ( ACNP, FNP, GNP) really depends on their specialty, hospitals have a lot of ACNPs in the ICU, and clinics have a lot of FNPs, i plan to apply to an ACNP program soon.

nurse pracs go through almost as much schooling as a doc, but they dont have the residency and fellowship,

PAs have a very strange education path, but can be very similar to a doc, same amount of schooling as an nurse prac.

where the difference lies, PAs can go straight through school, from freshman, to graduation, technically you can do this as nurse prac, but its unlikely, your nurse pracs are going to have a lot of experience in lower levels of the hospital, for example, they will have been an ICU nurse for 5 years, then entered the nurse prac program. PAs get most of their education from whatever physcian they work for.

PAs are competant, dont get me wrong, but they just make the decision they think the doc would have made, had they been present, nurse pracs are a little bit more free thinking, utilizing their own knowledge and experience.

MD is medical doctor, DO is doctorate of osteopathy. both go through med school, residency, fellowship, etc. but DOs tend to stay in the clinic setting.

My primary physican is a DO, I prefer them for the day to day needs. Osteopathy is similar to homeopathy, but not as extreme. DOs are less likely to prescribe meds or suggest surgery, rather than treat the symptoms, they tend to be more focused on the cause.

for example, last year i wrecked my car, hurt my back. went to an MD, got some Xrays and muscle relaxers. a month later I went to a DO, who I always use now. He actually used his hands on me, felt of my vertebrae, did some nerve tests, then showed me some stretches to do, and other helpful hints, also prescribed 3 months of physical therapy, he continued my muscle relaxers, but mild ones, one suggested i use NSAIDs, like Advil.

but back to the original question, all are competant, and as long as you went to the right place for whatever your issue is, then I would feel safe with advice from all of them.

**RealLiveMD** · 06-22-2011, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by FSANE

MD and DO are real doctors. APN is a nurse. PA are just Physician assistants

Im wondering though, how many people understand the difference or even care. I'll post why when the thread seems dead.

**FSANE** · 06-22-2011, 12:42 PM

one of the Radiologist at my work is a DO the rest are MD.

**FSANE** · 06-22-2011, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by RealLiveMD

Im wondering though, how many people understand the difference or even care. I'll post why when the thread seems dead.

well I do because I been working in the medical field for the last 10 years.

**Spikito** · 06-22-2011, 01:48 PM

same here.

Spikito, RN-BSN

are you the guy who ended up claiming you werent a real doctor, or even medically trained, in another thread?

**FSANE** · 06-22-2011, 02:56 PM

he is a real live md lol

I am R.T. (ARRT) (R)

**FORD RECOVERY EXPERT** · 06-22-2011, 02:59 PM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compari..._United_States

Thread Spoiled.

**Spikito** · 06-22-2011, 06:19 PM

that says exactly what I was saying, just in more words, lol

looks at the pie graphs, ans i happen to be in texas...i said DOs were more clinic based, and MDs more hospital based, and BAM, pie graphs to prove my point

**RealLiveMD** · 06-22-2011, 06:58 PM

You guys are killing me. It's actually "Real Live" my nickname and the MD was just added later in life. Anyway, I was hoping to hire another provider in my fairytale office. As I discussed this with my imaginary employees, I decided to post in ls1.com. I figured that a poll from this population would represent the average diverse American. I probably should have done the post in a poll form though.

**FORD RECOVERY EXPERT** · 06-22-2011, 11:26 PM

**Y2KPewterSS** · 06-22-2011, 11:40 PM

Been in the medical/healthcare field last 13-14 years. Basic stuff for me.

**Smittro** · 06-23-2011, 03:17 AM

**wileyCoyote** · 06-23-2011, 07:55 AM

dunno, i try to avoid doctor's office as much as possible. only regular things if go to are dentist and eye doctor.

**Spikito** · 06-23-2011, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Y2KPewterSS

Been in the medical/healthcare field last 13-14 years. Basic stuff for me.

what do you do?

**FSANE** · 06-23-2011, 11:58 AM

Originally Posted by Spikito

what do you do?

if I recall he is a RN

**FORD RECOVERY EXPERT** · 06-23-2011, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by FSANE

if I recall he is a RN

I thought he was a Pharmacist?

**RealLiveMD** · 06-25-2011, 04:18 AM

Not sure how this thread got derailed. Anyway I'll probably add an NP to the practice. Funny thing is. in about 3 years all NPS will require a PHD. That's going to be even more confusing because they will all be called Dr. One would have to ask whether they are NP's, MDs, DO's etc. Thanks. I'll probably change my screen name to "RealliveBS." Even though that could stand for my BS in chemistry, I can only imagine what you guys will say it's for. LOL.