Can a NP perform my preop testing?
I'm in the process of looking for a general care physician. I've always just seen my endocrinologist or made a trip to the care center. I'm getting too old not to have a regular doctor and I'm going to want someone that I can turn to close to home after this surgery. A lot of close family and friends see a nurse practitioner instead of a regular doctor. They all seem to love her but I'm not sure what all they are qualified to do. According to my weight loss center I'm likely going to need a sleep study as well as cardiac, pulmonary and medical stand point clearances before surgery. Will she be able to perform those services?
I went to a np for years , she almost killed my hubby by telling him for a long time that his stomach pains where just gas ( she told me my stomach would explode if I got wls,that was the last time I seen her (I did get the referral by insisting first )
before surgery I switched to a internist , they are better trained to know what tests you will need post op and to care for your special needs for the rest of your life
Sounds like you didn't have the best experience. Sorry about that. Both of my babies were delivered by a NP and I just adore her. Just like with anyone else there are good and bad people at what they do everywhere. There really aren't limits to that. I plan to call her office Monday and just ask but that's just so far away and I wanted answers. If they aren't even allowed to give clearance I might as well keep asking around for another recommended doctor.
A nurse practitioner should be able to take care of that, mostly by referring you to other specialists -- which is what a primary care physician would do as well. However, if you are using insurance coverage for this surgery, check your requirements -- if it says you need clearance from a physician, they may try to deny you if you don't comply to the letter. If they do say "physician clearance," call them and see if a NP clearance will meet their requirements -- and if they say yes, send them a certified letter confirming the details of your conversation. I know this sounds paranoid but you can't be too paranoid when dealing with insurance. Good luck!
when ever you call an insurance company always ask to talk with the supervisor or you will get different answers from everyone you talk to
also get there name so you can refer back to them if there is a problem and if possible have them send the answer to you in writing