Primary Health Care Professionals: A Comparison

Primary care is the foundation of a high quality, efficient health care system. Key to that foundation is the primary care physician, whose medical expertise ensures accurate diagnoses, appropriate referrals to allied health professionals and subspecialists, and comprehensive treatment plans for patients.

As America moves forward with health care reform, communities and policy makers have asked whether our primary care workforce will meet anticipated demand. The nation is grappling with a primary care physician shortage and some analysts suggest nurse practitioners can fill the gap. Such an answer, however, would not resolve the underlying issues. This information kit clarifies the education, training and clinical expertise that the family physician and the nurse practitioner bring to patient care and helps explain why one professional cannot substitute for another.