nurse practioners

[love138]

Are nurse practioners authorized to do pap smears and treat vaginal infections?

[PhoebesMom0520]

I work for a nurse practitioner and most of the male docs in our practice do that. They recommend that the NP do the paps and well-woman exams. It frees the doctors up to do the more "chronic care" and higher acuity work. Not that your vaginal health isn't important, it is. Most male doctors prefer to let a woman do the vaginal exams, if possible, unless the doc is OB/GYN, of course. (I personally think its more comfortable to sort of keep the two separate anyway. For some odd reason, feel like I need to be able to say my family doc hasn't "been there"... ) Good luck! Most NP's are VERY efficient and informative!

[love138]

Okay thanks. I went to the doctor and he recommended me seeing a nurse practioner for a pap smear. I never heard of one before.

[mkh9]

Yes, they can give prescriptions, do stiches, pelvic exams etc.  You can refuse one if you had an appointment with your doctor. You can tell them you prefer to see your doctor and if they give you any problems you can tell them you are paying for a doctor. However, I have to say I have had a couple of Nurse practitioners/Physician assistants do some very quality work and give me more time. I actually ask for the PA when I go for my dermatology since he has been so helpful. I also had a PA give me a cortisone injection. So, it is up to you. I'm only saying you have the right to see your doctor if you don't want to see the PA/nurse practitioner. I'm definitely not putting them down in any way.