Nurse Practitioners

Q:  Can you please explain the function of a nurse practitioner in a doctor's office? What can this person do that a nurse cannot? Can this person prescribe medication or change medication prescribed by a doctor? Can they make a medical diagnosis? I've never seen anything to explain just exactly what the scope of this position is. I'm sure others would also like to know. Thank you for clearing up these muddy waters for me.

A:  Nurse practitioners are Registered Nurses who are now required to also have Master's degrees and may have advanced education in a specialized area, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, adult, geriatrics, kidney transplant, etc. They take national certification examinations for their specialty and to maintain medication prescribing privileges. In collaboration with physicians, they are able to examine, diagnose, and treat patients. They can prescribe medications, and change dosages or medications. If there is any question, they consult with the physician.

For example, Lori Hagar, MS, RN who specializes in women's health at the MCW Physicians' Clinic, in a typical day, may perform several pap smears, breast exams, do endometrial biopsies, prescribe oral contraceptives and monitor pregnant patients. She has her own caseload of patients that she manages, but may consult with physicians in her practice if something out of the ordinary arises.

"Dear Doctor" is a compilation of patient questions answered by doctors from the Medical College of Wisconsin.