Physician Assistants (PA) and Nurse Practitioners (NP)

Who Are They?
Physician Assistants (PA) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) are healthcare professionals licensed to practice medicine with a supervising physician. The roles were developed in the mid-1960s in response to recognition of the fact that there was a shortage of primary care physicians. The first programs were started at Duke University Medical Center and were designed to expand the delivery of quality medical care. The curriculum was based on the fast-track training that doctors received during World War II.

How are they educated?
They receive their education in intensive medical programs that are designed to teach Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners to diagnose and treat medical problems. Our PA and NP here at Renaissance Orthopaedics have received their Master’s Degrees.

Where are PAs and NPs utilized?
Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners are found in all areas of medicine. They practice in areas of primary medicine such as family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. They also practice in general surgery and surgical subspecialties such as orthopaedics.

Can they prescribe medication and order tests?
PAs and NPs can prescribe medications and order appropriate diagnostic tests.

How can the PA and NP here at Renaissance Orthopaedics help me?
Our PA and NP have had the same supervised training with Doctors DiGioia and Stanley, and they work very closely with the surgeons. Decisions with respect to patient care are always made in accordance with standards and protocols set forth by the surgeons. The PA and NP at Renaissance Orthopaedics are both available to diagnose and treat patients who have previously been evaluated by the doctor. The surgeons are available at all times for consultation with the PA and NP should there be any question about a particular problem a patient may be having. The PA and NP are qualified to perform office procedures such as injections, casting and splinting. They are available to provide education to patients about their condition, treatment options and help in the decision making process when it becomes time for surgery. The PA and NP are also capable of conducting your post-operative visits as well as taking care of emergent problems which could save you a trip to the Emergency Room.

The PAs and NPs at Renaissance Orthopaedics are here to help you!