Hello! I'm a "Physician Extender"

zenman · Jan 12, 2006

Looks like they extended...uh went a little too far here. I'd do as you are thinking.

elkpark · Jan 12, 2006

The term "physician extender" has been around for a very long time, often used interchangeably with "mid-level provider." Lots of facilities and agencies (including the Federal and state governments) use the term because there are quite a few different occupations that fall within the general category (and more being added all the time) of those who "extend" the physician's range by making it possible for the physician to oversee the care of a much larger group of patients/clients than s/he would be able to by working alone. So there is a legitimate need for a generic term to denote all these different practitioners ..

You can certainly "voice (your) concerns" to your employer, but I would guess they would hear it as sounding a little overly defensive/sensitive/precious. I'm a mid-level provider/physician extender myself, and I don't see why the terminology would be an issue -- both terms are simple descriptions of the role (we) serve within the healthcare system ...

Katnip, RN · Jan 12, 2006

Funny, I had a picture of you holding a physician on a long stick over an abyss.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 12, 2006

I like mid-level practitioner much better. I also like Advanced Practice Nurse. Physician - extender - boo,hiss.

labcat01, BSN, RN · Jan 12, 2006

I think the term "physician extender" is just confusing....if you introduced yourself to the patient that way I imagine their response would be "what the heck is that?"

Now, i'm NOT a nurse (just a student) but I always thought that NPs were autonomous from MDs so wouldn't the term "physician extender" be a misnomer? Just curious.

Papadoc · Jan 13, 2006

I think the term "physician extender" is just confusing....if you introduced yourself to the patient that way I imagine their response would be "what the heck is that?"
Now, i'm NOT a nurse (just a student) but I always thought that NPs were autonomous from MDs so wouldn't the term "physician extender" be a misnomer? Just curious.

That would probably hold true if the NP who was in a private practice, or a some kind of partnership setting. When you work for a corporation, they might throw some perks and a steady paycheck at you, but generally, you'd have to forget about the independence part, not so much form the "extended" physicans:chuckle, but form the corporate pyramid itself. BTW most physicians are salaried employees in such settings, and they are the "extenders" of the "MBAs" above them. Most jobs I see advertise "NP/PA". There is no destinction NP vs PA for them. They'll take whoever they could pay less, IMHO.

Cynthia_S · Jan 13, 2006

I think that term is very confusing. I have never heard of it myself. I would introduce myself by name and title and follow with something like I work with Dr. So and So and leave it at that. I would keep things very very simple.

Patients and families have alot on their mind already, let alone to try and figure out who is taking care of them.

Papadoc · Jan 13, 2006

I think that term is very confusing. I have never heard of it myself. I would introduce myself by name and title and follow with something like I work with Dr. So and So and leave it at that. I would keep things very very simple.
Patients and families have alot on their mind already, let alone to try and figure out who is taking care of them.

Just check out this job ad http://jobsearch.monster.com/getjob.asp?JobID=37328084&AVSDM=2006%2D01%2D05+14%3A46%3A58&Logo=1&q=physician+extender&cy=us. It's one of many. You could do a quick search yourself. The term is used interchangebly wit the "midlevel" (sounds like midevil":devil: :chuckle for NPs/PAs who fill the same positions.But I don't think that anybody expects you to introduce yourself like "phy ext" or "ML".I believe those terms are designated titles for corporate/payroll reasons. If you education is NP or PA you could just say that and leave it at that,IMHO.

cincygirlpnp · Jan 18, 2006

I also hate the phrases "Physician Extender" and

"Mid-Level Providers." It makes us sound sub-professional. As far as complaining about it.. I don't. I don't correct other MD's for calling me this, but anytime I can, I refer to myself as a "Primary Care Provider." Since I work in a peds office, that is what I am. I will correct drug reps when they call me a PE or MLP. I think it is an important thing to stress, but MD's don't like the phrase and are very touchy about it. When I introduce myself to a new pt or another NP or MD, I simply state, " I am So-and-So. I'm a nurse practitioner and I work with Dr. Smith."

bethem · Jan 18, 2006

It sounds like seafood extender to me. You know, that stuff you use when you can't afford the real thing. That makes "physician extender" suggest that the "extender" is a pseudo-doc, but they get paid less. I would hate being called an anything extender.

Papadoc · Jan 18, 2006

Unfortunetely, both terms "PE" and "MLP" are here to stay.However, both terms are legal,and there is nothing that can stop anyone using it. It's the way folks from AMA are sticking it to NPs. Also PAs are pushing these terms, but since NPs are non-physicians, they are trying to say NP=PA or even less than a PA.

It's just another twist of the endless turf wars:angryfire

But who cares?If you like what you do, just do the best job you can do,and let the chips fall where they may.:)