OB/Gyn vs. Nurse Practitioner? (XP)

[JenIsrael]

Hi Ladies,

I will be seeing a Nurse Practitioner (A.R.N.P.) at my new OB/Gyn's office next month. I am going in for my annual exam and pap, but obviously want to discuss my fertility issues also. I settled for seeing the NP because they weren't able to get me into see an OB/Gyn until JANUARY because I am a new patient! Yikes! (Side note: It's SO hard to get into see a doc as a new patient in Florida!) The receiptionsist assured me that the NP would be able to discuss my issues with me, but didn't say if she could/would run blood work and do other testing on me.

Any one have any experience with seeing a NP? What can/can't they do compared to an OB/Gyn? I can't STAND the thought of waiting to January just to TALK to a OB/Gyn. :(

Help!

[Buffalo Gal]

*Lurker**Pg.Ment.

I just had my first ob appt. and at first I was very leary about seeing the np. Turns out she was excellent and I think I may like her more than my regular Dr.!!! She also used to work at a fertility clinic, so she knew where I was coming from after struggling for so many years with infertlity and conceiving through IVF. I would definitely give the np a try. I'm pretty sure they can do everything the regular ob/gyn does-they can prescribe meds, order tests, etc. And if there were any question, there is always a Dr. there she could consult. Good luck!!

[ejf123]

Jen I really wish I could offer some advice on this one...but I have never met with a nurse practitioner...I would be just as frustrated.

[JenIsrael]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Buffalo Gal! I am getting a lot of positive feedback about NP's, so that is very encouraging! :)

[AshnBill]

I just wanted to say good luck at your appt!

[JenIsrael]

Thanks, Ashley! I am excited for my appointment. We took a bit of a TTC break during our move, so I am relaxed and refreshed and ready to get the ball rolling again! Whoo hoo! :)

[amy1673]

Hi Jen,

I've only seen NPs for annual stuff. It's hard here in Maryland to get in to see an OBGYN as a new patient too! I actually think the NPs have a more cordial bedside manner than the Docs. But that's just my opinion, of course.

When I was having a hard time TTC (am still), my NP got me in to see the OBGYN who sent me for all the fertility testing. She said that she could prescribe Clomid or we could choose to move on to the RE down the hall.

I bet after your annual, since you're not a "new" patient anymore, they'll get you in faster for a consult with the Doc about fertility.

Good luck!
amy

[ddublino]

I live in a pretty rural area of CA and I have seen an NP for annual's, Nurse Mid wife during first pg and my OB...Since it is a small area I have been seeing these same women for ten years, I am just as confident in one as the other...I'm sure if you have questions that NP can't answer she can find out from the Doc. Good luck, it is such an enjoyable experience isn't it....JK

Danielle

[Readyforbaby1]

Jen,

I don't have anything new to add in relation to NP's but wanted to wish you luck at your appt! Keep us posted!

[JenIsrael]

I feel 100% better about seeing a NP now. Thanks for your help ladies! I will keep you posted on my appointment next month! :)

[lpollom]

*lurker*(pg ment.)
Looks like you have it all settled but I just wanted to reassure you too - I was weary also. I was a new patient at my OB when I got pg and they told me that I switch off every other appt. with my OB and my np. I had the np the first appt. and I was worried that I wouldn't get the same attention - I was so wrong! I love my np and she can do pretty much everything an OB can do. I think the are the highest "ranked" position right before MD. Just wanted to add to your reassurance! GL!!!!