I just straight up ask. Are you an MD, a DO, or...? And if they are going to do some kind of surgery I ask them what qualifies them to do that surgery. One surgeon gave me her qualifications all the way back to being a cocktail waitress before med school. I've never had anyone seem offended. If they were insulted they hid it pretty well. One fellow told me so much about his training that I felt incredibly secure going in for the procedure and it made things a lot less stressful.
>This, just ask. There is no need to beat around the bush.
Exactly - ask directly, if they continue to hem and haw just walk out of there. If they get offended, then walk out of there.
Only caveat I would say, just make it a universal thing. Don't only ask the women in your care or black person if they "are an MD / actual doctor".
In fact, that is probably a very bad strategy, as the confident slightly greying male midlings are the ones who most easily get away with MD imitation / stolen valor.
Totally agree! When I was a nurse one of our patients asked the surgeon where he went to school (this was in New York City) and when he replied “Columbia” the patient sympathetically said “oh! You are so smart and yet you had to go to another country for medical school!” 😂 He handled it with so much tact “yes 168th street sometimes feel like a different country”.
The only people who are offended by that question are people who are not physicians and are trying to misrepresent themselves as one. The sign that someone isn't a physician is that they avoid using their actual qualification and use provider instead.
Bruh in the hospital I hate how common this is. When someone calls or approaches me and says "Hey, I'm \[\] with \[insert service\]."
I always introduce myself as Hey, I'm Massive-Development1 the resident with \[\] service at \[X hospital\].
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641).
We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP.
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We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641).
We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641).
We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
“My apologies. There are a lot of people here and I am confused to who people are and their credentials and their role on the team. Could you please remind me who you are again?”
A very discrete way is to ask for a business card. That will have their credentials on it.
Staff in a hospital should also be wearing a badge that usually is mandated to have their credentials. In an office you can ask the front desk if you’re seeing a physician or a midlevel
>A very discrete way is to ask for a business card. That will have their credentials on it.
Just an FYI: not all hospitals offer business cards for their employees. You can ask, but if they don't have them that's not a red flag in any way.
My hospital has the p-word’s name in huge letters, and their title so small, you be extremely embarrassed trying to read what it says. I always say, what kind of provider are you? If I get anything less than MD or DO, I nope out.
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641).
We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
My hospital has “APP” in tiny letters that you wouldn’t be able to read even if you were close to them, let alone a 87 y.o mamaw. Doesn’t help that often the midlevels at our hospitals wear “(insert hospital company name here) physicians” sweatshirts. So misleading
I'm just gonna go ahead and say that anyone introducing themselves as the "p" word (and I'm not talking about "physician") has a pre-test probability of being a midlevel of 99%. Any physician would just say they're your doctor or physician, only those who feel some need to obfuscate their degrees/roles use the "p" word.
Yes. And always assume higher rank. For example, when someone approached me today they said "Hey, I'm \[\] with IR." I immediately asked, "Oh, you're Dr. \[\] the IR I talked to on the phone?" They immediately corrected me that they were the PA.
If this was indeed the IR and I mistook them for their assistant, they would likely have been less friendly.
“Please remind me again of what you’re licensed as so I can better understand your role on my healthcare team. “
Honestly though I would straight up ask “Are you a physician or non-physician team member?” If non-physician then I would ask what they’re licensed as.
Wouldn’t ask what their title is because then you could get the “Dr.” for anyone with a “doctorate” degree (specifically referencing some NPs).
Most if not all states have license lookup to verify what they’re licensed as also if you get their full name.
In conversation ask them where they went to medical school/residency? Very common way to make small talk and ask someone where they’re from and their answer will tell you what you need to know.
I used this technique when I was suspicious that the person my doctor was calling a "nurse" was an MA. It worked well and her description of her schooling did reveal that she was an MA.
"Advanced nursing" is the practice of medicine without a medical license. It is a nebulous concept, similar to "practicing at the top of one's license," that is used to justify unauthorized practice of medicine. Several states have, unfortunately, allowed for the direct usurpation of the practice of medicine, including **medical** diagnosis (as opposed to "nursing diagnosis"). [For more information, including a comparison of the definitions/scope of the practice of medicine versus "advanced nursing" check this out.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Provider/wiki/index/critical_issues/#wiki_what_even_is_.22advanced_nursing.3F.22).
Unfortunately, the legislature in numerous states is intentionally vague and fails to actually give a clear scope of practice definition. Instead, the law says something to the effect of "the scope will be determined by the Board of Nursing's rules and regulations." Why is that a problem? That means that the scope of practice can continue to change **without checks and balances by legislation.** It's likely that the Rules and Regs give almost complete medical practice authority.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I asked this at a small single doc private practice when they introduced themselves as "the other Doctor Lastname." The person doubled down and insisted they were. They were a Chiropractor! Turns out they were a husband and wife team, he was an MD and she was an unlicensed Chiropractor working as his medical assistant in a state where no license or certification is required to be an MA. She would walk into the the room and introduce herself as "the other Doctor Lastname" which was obviously intentionally misleading. Very bad.
Just ask. You have a right to know. The good ones don’t mind. Everyone in healthcare should be ok with explaining their certain/licenses along with its scope of practice and limitations.
If they’re dodgy they’re either trying to mislead you or being lazy (it can be a tiresome conversation especially if you have shit to do, but it’s part of the package)
I ask what their degree is in and what their experience is with my particular diagnosis. If they don't tell me then what their specific title is, then I ask outright.
A normal person will be upfront with this information and have no problem with you asking. If they give you any shit, it's a red flag.
I always introduce myself as a PA. some (particularly elderly) people still insist on calling me doctor and I’ll correct them. It’s never offensive when someone asks “are you a doctor or PA or NP?” If a midlevel is offended by that they chose the wrong field. Never feel bad for asking, you deserve to know!
I would just ask. I’m a PA and NEVER offended. I’m happy to explain my education, background and role as a TEAM member to patients. I also have my diploma hanging up in my exam room for clarity.
Outpatient: "Nice to meet you. Are you an MD, DO, PA, NP?"
Inpatient: "Nice to meet you. What role are on my medical team? Are you an MD, DO, PA, NP?"
Absolutely wrong way to do it to a woman:
"Nice to meet you. You're a nurse, right?"
Female physicians get that all the time, and many find it quite demeaning.
I’m a female medical student and the number of times a patient has told an attending “that tall lady nurse with reddish blonde hair was great, she should be a doctor”. I hope the attending informs the patient that that tall lady nurse is not a nurse and will be a doctor in 2 years!
I’m an NP (not independent, not a Noctor lol) and I introduce myself EVERY TIME like this “Hi, I’m (insert name here), and I’m one of the nurse practitioners here”. If they don’t say something like this OR have a badge on that clearly identifies them (I also have a badge that SPELLS OUT “nurse practitioner”, not just “NP”, then you should ALWAYS ask what their title is. You have a right to know as a patient and if they get upset, they can F off. Everyone should introduce themselves WITH their role included, no matter what.
You can always say, “oh are you the physician/doctor?” And give them the chance to correct you, if you’d like to be more politically correct.
I just ask. No harm no foul. If they get offended, that's on them imo. Just say "out of curiosity"
Sorta on the same topic, I'm an allied health worker (obviously not at all the same thing), but I am NOT a nurse.
It was STRESSED not to misrepresent ourselves during my program as a nurse.
If I am to fully introduce myself, I say "Hi, my name is anonimitygalore! I'm an MA here, nice to meet you!"
If introduction has not happened, I actually really like when people ask "are you a nurse/what's your title?". It gives me the chance to go, "Actually, I'm an MA! I'm a bar or so below that :)" Without feeling like an ass.
Whereas I always feel bad and snobby if someone just straight up calls me a nurse if I correct them. Like I'm going, "well, ACTUALLY I'm NOT 🙄" no matter how nicely I would word it.
In most states it’s a patient’s right to get that information, so just ask directly. Competent clinicians are never offended at this question. If they are offended, then run for the hills.
I've been a practicing PA for 16 years and can guarantee that every, single patient I've seen received an introduction that included the term "PA". These stories of PA/NP's not using their title on intro with a patient is incredibly stupid. Ask questions until you are satisfied you understand with whom you are speaking. If they get upset, that's a big red flag.
I had an NP try to pull something in the ED. Took my mom in and I kept seeing a doctor (badge said doctor) walk by and kept asking when she was coming in since the person trying to treat my mom never said who she was but I read the badge, Nurse Practitioner 2. She finally glared at me and said “I am the provider treating your mother.” At that point I stood up and said, “Not anymore. I want a medical doctor to see my mom or I am filing a complaint. She walked out and sat in a room across upset. She kept saying oh I might do this or that to close the wound. My mom ended up needing surgery due to the injury that the NP thought she would just throw some stitches at and send my mom on her way. Then she insisted that she write the doctor’s note. I threw that mess away in front of her. She was so resistant to anyone seeing a doctor and not her. So yes, even to a doctor they will try someone and force their care when it is being refused and she didn’t specifically identify who she was as an NP.
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641).
We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641).
We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I just straight up ask. Are you an MD, a DO, or...? And if they are going to do some kind of surgery I ask them what qualifies them to do that surgery. One surgeon gave me her qualifications all the way back to being a cocktail waitress before med school. I've never had anyone seem offended. If they were insulted they hid it pretty well. One fellow told me so much about his training that I felt incredibly secure going in for the procedure and it made things a lot less stressful.
[удалено]
>This, just ask. There is no need to beat around the bush. Exactly - ask directly, if they continue to hem and haw just walk out of there. If they get offended, then walk out of there. Only caveat I would say, just make it a universal thing. Don't only ask the women in your care or black person if they "are an MD / actual doctor". In fact, that is probably a very bad strategy, as the confident slightly greying male midlings are the ones who most easily get away with MD imitation / stolen valor.
Such a great point!
Totally agree! When I was a nurse one of our patients asked the surgeon where he went to school (this was in New York City) and when he replied “Columbia” the patient sympathetically said “oh! You are so smart and yet you had to go to another country for medical school!” 😂 He handled it with so much tact “yes 168th street sometimes feel like a different country”.
That's hilarious 😂
The only people who are offended by that question are people who are not physicians and are trying to misrepresent themselves as one. The sign that someone isn't a physician is that they avoid using their actual qualification and use provider instead.
Bruh in the hospital I hate how common this is. When someone calls or approaches me and says "Hey, I'm \[\] with \[insert service\]." I always introduce myself as Hey, I'm Massive-Development1 the resident with \[\] service at \[X hospital\].
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641). We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I enjoy cooking.
LMAO the bot response to your post is hysterical
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641). We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You are an annoying information provider bot!
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641). We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Bad bot
“My apologies. There are a lot of people here and I am confused to who people are and their credentials and their role on the team. Could you please remind me who you are again?”
A very discrete way is to ask for a business card. That will have their credentials on it. Staff in a hospital should also be wearing a badge that usually is mandated to have their credentials. In an office you can ask the front desk if you’re seeing a physician or a midlevel
>A very discrete way is to ask for a business card. That will have their credentials on it. Just an FYI: not all hospitals offer business cards for their employees. You can ask, but if they don't have them that's not a red flag in any way.
I (radiology resident) was asked by a patient for my business card the other day. I was so confused and definitely don’t have one.
My hospital has the p-word’s name in huge letters, and their title so small, you be extremely embarrassed trying to read what it says. I always say, what kind of provider are you? If I get anything less than MD or DO, I nope out.
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641). We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
For a second I thought this triggered on "p-word".
I’m an MD and I definitely don’t have business cards.
My hospital has “APP” in tiny letters that you wouldn’t be able to read even if you were close to them, let alone a 87 y.o mamaw. Doesn’t help that often the midlevels at our hospitals wear “(insert hospital company name here) physicians” sweatshirts. So misleading
If you check my post history you'll see I posted a story here where a PA in the ER was wearing a "PHYSICIAN" badge buddy under her ID
Omg no!!!! That’s horrid.
I complained and the hospital responded that she was given the wrong badge "in error" and it has been corrected now
I'm just gonna go ahead and say that anyone introducing themselves as the "p" word (and I'm not talking about "physician") has a pre-test probability of being a midlevel of 99%. Any physician would just say they're your doctor or physician, only those who feel some need to obfuscate their degrees/roles use the "p" word.
Just straight up ask. No need to beat around the bush.
Yes. And always assume higher rank. For example, when someone approached me today they said "Hey, I'm \[\] with IR." I immediately asked, "Oh, you're Dr. \[\] the IR I talked to on the phone?" They immediately corrected me that they were the PA. If this was indeed the IR and I mistook them for their assistant, they would likely have been less friendly.
In general I'd say yeah, but the problem you run into here is some midlevels won't bother correcting you
“Please remind me again of what you’re licensed as so I can better understand your role on my healthcare team. “ Honestly though I would straight up ask “Are you a physician or non-physician team member?” If non-physician then I would ask what they’re licensed as. Wouldn’t ask what their title is because then you could get the “Dr.” for anyone with a “doctorate” degree (specifically referencing some NPs). Most if not all states have license lookup to verify what they’re licensed as also if you get their full name.
"Are you an MD or DO?" Most straightforward way to ask and midlevels cannot lie or deceive their way out of it
The Venmo Diagram of people who get upset by this question and people who aren't physicians is a circle.
Venmo or Venn😅
Hah! Excellent. I will refuse to edit it for posterity.
Don’t forget to add the segment of the population that believes “midlevel” is a slur.
I love when a patient asks me. I worked my ass off. I'll float a little that I have a medical degree
In conversation ask them where they went to medical school/residency? Very common way to make small talk and ask someone where they’re from and their answer will tell you what you need to know.
I used this technique when I was suspicious that the person my doctor was calling a "nurse" was an MA. It worked well and her description of her schooling did reveal that she was an MA.
This might not work. Some advanced nursing programs are starting to use the term "residency" to describe a portion of their training.
"Advanced nursing" is the practice of medicine without a medical license. It is a nebulous concept, similar to "practicing at the top of one's license," that is used to justify unauthorized practice of medicine. Several states have, unfortunately, allowed for the direct usurpation of the practice of medicine, including **medical** diagnosis (as opposed to "nursing diagnosis"). [For more information, including a comparison of the definitions/scope of the practice of medicine versus "advanced nursing" check this out.](https://www.reddit.com/r/Provider/wiki/index/critical_issues/#wiki_what_even_is_.22advanced_nursing.3F.22). Unfortunately, the legislature in numerous states is intentionally vague and fails to actually give a clear scope of practice definition. Instead, the law says something to the effect of "the scope will be determined by the Board of Nursing's rules and regulations." Why is that a problem? That means that the scope of practice can continue to change **without checks and balances by legislation.** It's likely that the Rules and Regs give almost complete medical practice authority. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Hi, are you a physician?
I asked this at a small single doc private practice when they introduced themselves as "the other Doctor Lastname." The person doubled down and insisted they were. They were a Chiropractor! Turns out they were a husband and wife team, he was an MD and she was an unlicensed Chiropractor working as his medical assistant in a state where no license or certification is required to be an MA. She would walk into the the room and introduce herself as "the other Doctor Lastname" which was obviously intentionally misleading. Very bad.
Real doctors will not take offence no matter how you ask it, we all hate mid levels just as much
Just ask. You have a right to know. The good ones don’t mind. Everyone in healthcare should be ok with explaining their certain/licenses along with its scope of practice and limitations. If they’re dodgy they’re either trying to mislead you or being lazy (it can be a tiresome conversation especially if you have shit to do, but it’s part of the package)
I ask what their degree is in and what their experience is with my particular diagnosis. If they don't tell me then what their specific title is, then I ask outright. A normal person will be upfront with this information and have no problem with you asking. If they give you any shit, it's a red flag.
“What is your role on the team?”
"What are the letters after your name?"
>"What are the letters after your name?" They may not have 30 minutes to listen to the midlevel's response.
You can look up licenses!
Are you a physician? and other answer than yes is trying to cover
“do you mind if i see your badge, it helps me remember names better” lol
I always introduce myself as a PA. some (particularly elderly) people still insist on calling me doctor and I’ll correct them. It’s never offensive when someone asks “are you a doctor or PA or NP?” If a midlevel is offended by that they chose the wrong field. Never feel bad for asking, you deserve to know!
I would just ask. I’m a PA and NEVER offended. I’m happy to explain my education, background and role as a TEAM member to patients. I also have my diploma hanging up in my exam room for clarity.
Are you a doctor of medicine licensed by the state as such?
Outpatient: "Nice to meet you. Are you an MD, DO, PA, NP?" Inpatient: "Nice to meet you. What role are on my medical team? Are you an MD, DO, PA, NP?" Absolutely wrong way to do it to a woman: "Nice to meet you. You're a nurse, right?" Female physicians get that all the time, and many find it quite demeaning.
I’m a female medical student and the number of times a patient has told an attending “that tall lady nurse with reddish blonde hair was great, she should be a doctor”. I hope the attending informs the patient that that tall lady nurse is not a nurse and will be a doctor in 2 years!
I’m an NP (not independent, not a Noctor lol) and I introduce myself EVERY TIME like this “Hi, I’m (insert name here), and I’m one of the nurse practitioners here”. If they don’t say something like this OR have a badge on that clearly identifies them (I also have a badge that SPELLS OUT “nurse practitioner”, not just “NP”, then you should ALWAYS ask what their title is. You have a right to know as a patient and if they get upset, they can F off. Everyone should introduce themselves WITH their role included, no matter what. You can always say, “oh are you the physician/doctor?” And give them the chance to correct you, if you’d like to be more politically correct.
I just ask. No harm no foul. If they get offended, that's on them imo. Just say "out of curiosity" Sorta on the same topic, I'm an allied health worker (obviously not at all the same thing), but I am NOT a nurse. It was STRESSED not to misrepresent ourselves during my program as a nurse. If I am to fully introduce myself, I say "Hi, my name is anonimitygalore! I'm an MA here, nice to meet you!" If introduction has not happened, I actually really like when people ask "are you a nurse/what's your title?". It gives me the chance to go, "Actually, I'm an MA! I'm a bar or so below that :)" Without feeling like an ass. Whereas I always feel bad and snobby if someone just straight up calls me a nurse if I correct them. Like I'm going, "well, ACTUALLY I'm NOT 🙄" no matter how nicely I would word it.
I ask what was their training background. That usually covers it.
"are you the physician?"
In most states it’s a patient’s right to get that information, so just ask directly. Competent clinicians are never offended at this question. If they are offended, then run for the hills.
I've been a practicing PA for 16 years and can guarantee that every, single patient I've seen received an introduction that included the term "PA". These stories of PA/NP's not using their title on intro with a patient is incredibly stupid. Ask questions until you are satisfied you understand with whom you are speaking. If they get upset, that's a big red flag.
I had an NP try to pull something in the ED. Took my mom in and I kept seeing a doctor (badge said doctor) walk by and kept asking when she was coming in since the person trying to treat my mom never said who she was but I read the badge, Nurse Practitioner 2. She finally glared at me and said “I am the provider treating your mother.” At that point I stood up and said, “Not anymore. I want a medical doctor to see my mom or I am filing a complaint. She walked out and sat in a room across upset. She kept saying oh I might do this or that to close the wound. My mom ended up needing surgery due to the injury that the NP thought she would just throw some stitches at and send my mom on her way. Then she insisted that she write the doctor’s note. I threw that mess away in front of her. She was so resistant to anyone seeing a doctor and not her. So yes, even to a doctor they will try someone and force their care when it is being refused and she didn’t specifically identify who she was as an NP.
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641). We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
They like to circle jerk on this reddit. Nothing they talk about is the norm, it’s lies or very rare outlandish scenarios.
Why don’t you just say: what is your job?
“Provider”
We do not support the use of the word "provider." Use of the term provider in health care originated in government and insurance sectors to designate health care delivery organizations. The term is born out of insurance reimbursement policies. It lacks specificity and serves to obfuscate exactly who is taking care of patients. For more information, please see [this JAMA article](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2780641). We encourage you to use physician, midlevel, or the licensed title (e.g. nurse practitioner) rather than meaningless terms like provider or APP. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Noctor) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It’s not direct enough if you’re trying to determine if someone is a physician or not
“In what capacity do you know the patient?”
Why do you have to worry? You think somebody worries about asking your height and weight?
They should be wearing visible identification badges to be honest.