Answers to Common Health Literacy Questions

Premier Physician Network providers answer frequently asked questions about health literacy.

What is the difference between a doctor and an advanced practice provider?

The main difference between a physician and an advanced practice provider (APP), a nurse practitioner and a physician assistant, is the level of education and training each receives, according to Premier HealthNet (PHN) physicians.

Those education differences mean that APPs work under the coaching of a physician.

APPs also don’t have quite as many responsibilities as a physician, but they can do medical exams, take medical history, provide a diagnosis, write prescriptions, and more.

Talk to your primary care provider for more information about the difference between a doctor and an advanced practice provider.

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Source: Joseph Allen, MD, Family Medicine of Vandalia; Christopher Aviles, MD, Beavercreek Family Physicians; Michael Dulan, MD, Dulan and Moore Dulan Family Wellness Center; Aleda Johnson, MD, Liberty Family Medicine; Josh Ordway, MD, Franklin Family Practice; Joseph Leithold, MD, Woodcroft Family Practice; Anne Nestor, MD, Trenton Family Medicine; Melinda Ruff, MD, Centerville Family Medicine; Anessa Alappatt, MD, Fairborn Medical Center; Jennifer Romaker, NP-C, Fairfield Road Physician Offices