You booked an appointment with a doctor. You saw a nurse practitioner instead. Was that a downgrade — or the only reason you got in at all? 

This week we sort out what actually separates the roles. NPs and PAs handle a huge share of routine care well: the sore throat, the med refill, the blood pressure check, the stable chronic condition on a stable plan. But are they always the right team member for your issue? And where did these different roles come from, anyway? More importantly, what can you do to make sure you’re getting the right care? 

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Hattiesburg experience