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M.D.s and D.O.s
There are two types of complete physicians in the United States. Both M.D.s and D.O.s are fully qualified physicians licensed to prescribe medication and perform surgery.
• Both attend medical colleges typically with emphasis on specific scientific courses.
• Both complete four-year medical education.
• Both obtain graduate medical education with internship and residency.
• Both must pass comparable exams to obtain state license.
• Both practice in fully accredited and licensed health care facilities.
High Mountain Health includes both M.D.s and D.O.s on its medical team.
Doctors of Family Medicine
Family Physicians are trained to provide comprehensive medical care for the entire family, from children through adult years. They diagnose and treat the full range of problems people bring to their doctors. They know when to treat you and when to bring in another specialist you can trust. They emphasize preventive health practices, knowing that the prevention of a major health problem is far better than overcoming one once it has developed.
The practice of Family Medicine is built upon a body of knowledge shared with other medical disciplines, such as internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, surgery, dermatology and urgent care. This training, knowledge and experience enables Family physicians to provide care that is specific to issues for men, women, children and seniors.
In addition to being highly trained, they must re-certify more than any other medical specialty to ensure that they maintain their current knowledge and skill.
Sports Medicine Specialists are physicians who evaluate and treat musculoskeletal disorders, such as painful or injured joints and muscles, and over-use injuries such as tendonitis and stress fractures. They also treat non-musculoskeletal aspects of sports medicine, such as concussions and other head injuries, athletes with chronic and acute illness; nutrition, supplements, ergogenic aids and performance issues; exercise prescription; injury prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion.
Physician Assistant (PAs)
Physician Assistants (PAs) are licensed health professionals who practice medicine with physician supervision. As part of the physician/PA team, PAs exercise autonomy in diagnosing and treating illnesses. PAs deliver a broad range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in both rural and urban settings throughout the United States. Their focus is patient care, and their practice may include education, research and administrative activities. In most states, PAs can treat patients when the physician is away from the practice and can write prescriptions.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse Practitioners are licensed to practice as primary and/or specialty care providers. In addition to diagnosing and managing illnesses, nurse practitioners emphasize health promotion and disease prevention. Their services include ordering, conducting, supervising and interpreting diagnostic and laboratory tests. They combine the role of provider, mentor, educator, researcher and administrator.
The High Mountain Health Nurse Practitioners practice in collaboration with the medical staff to assess, diagnose, treat and manage the patient’s health problems and needs. They serve as healthcare researchers, interdisciplinary consultants and patient advocates.
Registered Nurse (RN)
A registered nurse is a healthcare professional who can assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care of the sick and injured.In the United States there are 3 routes to becoming a RN: a two-year college program obtaining an Associate Nursing degree; a diploma program that usually takes three years of study; and a four-year degree program obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Completion of any one of these routes allows the graduate to take a test for licensure as a registered nurse.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
These individuals usually have 12 to 24 months of training in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and practical patient care. They must pass state or national boards and renew their license periodically. They operate under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) or a physician. They can administer most medications, implement wound care, perform vital sign measurements, maintain medical records and collect samples for lab testing.
Medical Assistant
A medical assistant helps the doctor perform medical exams. They attend a formal school program studying anatomy and physiology and learn the fundamentals of medical diagnostic techniques. Their training includes an externship in a medical facility. Medical assistants are trained in standard clinical laboratory procedures. They perform veni-puncture, injections, EKG’s, measurement of vital signs and more. Certified Medical Assistants have passed an additional certification test.
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