Common Conditions Treated
by Nurse Practitioners
Nurse Practitioners are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that nurse practitioners help patients manage:
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a nurse practitioner.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive health history including past medical problems, surgeries, medications, allergies, and family history
- Discussion of current symptoms, concerns, and health goals
- Review of lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, sleep, stress, alcohol, and tobacco use
- Thorough physical examination appropriate to your age and concerns
- Vital signs measurement (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, weight)
- Discussion of preventive care and health screening recommendations
- Development of treatment plan and answering all your questions
- First visits typically last 45-60 minutes, allowing ample time for thorough assessment
Diagnosis & Testing
- Detailed history and physical examination as primary diagnostic tools
- Laboratory tests: Blood work (complete blood count, metabolic panel, lipid panel, thyroid tests, diabetes screening)
- Urinalysis for kidney function or infection detection
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) for heart rhythm and function assessment
- Imaging studies when indicated: X-rays, ultrasounds, or referrals for CT/MRI scans
- Point-of-care testing: Rapid strep tests, flu tests, glucose monitoring
- Health screening tools: Depression screening, fall risk assessment, cognitive testing
- Spirometry for lung function in asthma or COPD patients
- In-office procedures: Pap smears, skin biopsies, joint aspirations when appropriate
Treatment Options
- Medication prescribing and management for acute and chronic conditions
- Lifestyle counseling: Nutrition guidance, exercise recommendations, stress management, sleep hygiene
- Preventive care: Vaccinations, cancer screenings, cardiovascular risk assessment
- Patient education: Disease information, self-management strategies, medication teaching
- Minor procedures: Wound care, suturing, skin tag/wart removal, joint injections
- Chronic disease management: Diabetes, hypertension, asthma, COPD, heart disease
- Mental health care: Counseling, psychiatric medication management (psychiatric NPs)
- Women's health services: Contraception management, menopause treatment, prenatal care coordination
- Care coordination: Specialist referrals, coordinating with other providers, managing complex cases
- Follow-up care: Regular monitoring of chronic conditions, medication adjustments, preventive visits
- Telemedicine: Many NPs offer virtual visits for appropriate conditions and follow-ups
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your nurse practitioner provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Nurse Practitioner
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a nurse practitioner.
Credentials to Verify
- Master's degree (MSN) or Doctorate (DNP) from an accredited nursing program
- Board certification in their specialty area (AANPCB, ANCC, or specialty board)
- Active state license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
- National certification in specific population focus (family, adult-gerontology, pediatrics, women's health, psychiatric-mental health, acute care)
- Prescriptive authority and DEA number if prescribing controlled substances
- Continuing education to maintain certification (typically 100 hours every 5 years)
- Member of professional organizations like American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
Important Considerations
- Specialty area matching your needs (family practice for all ages, pediatric for children, psychiatric for mental health, women's health, acute care)
- Years of experience as an NP and in their specialty
- Practice setting: Private practice, community health center, hospital clinic, urgent care, telehealth
- Collaborative relationships with physicians for complex cases or emergencies
- Accepts your insurance and is in-network
- Office location and hours that fit your schedule
- Availability for same-day or urgent appointments
- Communication style and patient-centered approach
- Use of electronic health records and patient portal access
- Language abilities if you prefer care in a language other than English
- Scope of practice: Some states allow independent practice, others require physician collaboration
- Patient reviews and satisfaction ratings
- Philosophy of care: Preventive focus, holistic approach, emphasis on patient education
- Ability to see you long-term as your primary care provider
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple nurse practitioners before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a nurse practitioner can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$100-$250 (typically less than physician visits)
Follow-up Visit
$75-$150
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Most health insurance plans cover nurse practitioner visits at the same rate as physician visits
- Copays typically range from $15-$50 for primary care NP visits
- Preventive care visits (annual physicals, well-woman exams) are often covered at 100% with no copay under the Affordable Care Act
- NPs are recognized as primary care providers by Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance
- Many insurance plans allow you to choose an NP as your primary care provider
- Nurse practitioner services are often more affordable than physician services for the same care
- Telemedicine visits with NPs may have lower copays ($0-$25) depending on your plan
- Community health centers often employ NPs and offer sliding scale fees based on income
- Some NPs offer direct primary care models with monthly membership fees (typically $50-$100/month)
- No referral needed to see an NP for most insurance plans (except some HMOs)
Medicare Information
Medicare covers nurse practitioner services at 85% of the physician fee schedule. NPs can serve as Medicare primary care providers. Medicare Part B covers NP visits, procedures, and services with typical 20% coinsurance after deductible. Preventive services like annual wellness visits are covered at 100%. NPs can order home health services, certify hospice care, and provide care in nursing facilities for Medicare beneficiaries.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your nurse practitioner is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Nurse Practitioner
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a nurse practitioner:
What is your specialty certification and in what population focus are you trained (family, adult-gerontology, pediatric, psychiatric, women's health)?
What is your prescribing authority in this state, and can you prescribe all medications I might need including controlled substances?
Do you have a collaborative agreement with a physician, and how does that work for my care?
What types of conditions and patient concerns do you most commonly treat in your practice?
In what situations would you refer me to a physician specialist, and how is that process handled?
How many years of experience do you have as a nurse practitioner, and how long have you worked in this specialty?
What is your approach to preventive care and patient education?
How do you handle after-hours urgent issues or emergencies?
Do you offer telehealth appointments for follow-up visits or minor concerns?
What hospital or healthcare system are you affiliated with if I need inpatient care?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
Nurse Practitioner vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs. Here's how nurse practitioners compare to similar specialists:
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about nurse practitioners is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and the following authoritative organizations:
Last updated: December 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a nurse practitioner be my primary care provider?
Yes, absolutely. Nurse practitioners are qualified to serve as primary care providers and millions of Americans choose NPs as their main healthcare provider. NPs provide comprehensive primary care including annual physicals, managing chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, treating acute illnesses, prescribing medications, ordering tests, and coordinating specialist care. In fact, over 90% of NPs are trained in primary care specialties. Studies show that patient outcomes and satisfaction with NP primary care are equivalent to physician care. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, recognize NPs as primary care providers.
What's the difference between a nurse practitioner and a physician?
Both are highly trained healthcare providers but with different educational paths. Physicians (MD/DO) complete 4 years of medical school plus 3-7 years of residency training focused on disease diagnosis and treatment. Nurse practitioners complete nursing school (BSN) plus a master's or doctoral program (MSN/DNP) focused on holistic, patient-centered care with emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. NPs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, order tests, and manage complex conditions. Many studies show equivalent quality of care between NPs and physicians for primary care and many other conditions. NPs often spend more time with patients and emphasize patient education. The choice often comes down to personal preference, availability, and insurance coverage.
Can nurse practitioners prescribe medications?
Yes, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications in all 50 states, including controlled substances in most states. NPs have prescriptive authority that includes antibiotics, chronic disease medications, mental health medications, pain medications, and many other drugs. The scope varies slightly by state - some states allow completely independent prescribing, while others require a collaborative agreement with a physician (though this doesn't affect the NP's ability to prescribe). Nurse practitioners also have DEA numbers allowing them to prescribe controlled substances like stimulants for ADHD, anxiety medications, and pain medications when clinically appropriate.
Do I need a referral to see a nurse practitioner?
For most insurance plans, no referral is needed to see a nurse practitioner. NPs are recognized as primary care providers and specialists in their own right. PPO and POS plans typically allow direct access to NPs without referrals. HMO plans may require a referral from your PCP if the NP is considered a specialist. Medicare and Medicaid do not require referrals for NP visits. Even if your insurance doesn't require a referral, it's often helpful to have one so your current provider can share relevant medical information with the NP.
Are nurse practitioners qualified to handle serious medical conditions?
Yes, nurse practitioners are highly qualified to manage serious medical conditions. NPs receive advanced training in differential diagnosis, clinical reasoning, and evidence-based treatment. They routinely manage complex chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, COPD, cancer care, and multiple concurrent conditions. NPs know their scope of practice and when to collaborate with or refer to physician specialists for conditions requiring surgical intervention or highly specialized care. For most medical conditions - both acute and chronic - NPs provide comprehensive, high-quality care. In fact, studies in journals like JAMA and Annals of Internal Medicine show that NP care quality matches physician care for primary care and many specialty conditions.
What specialty areas can nurse practitioners practice in?
Nurse practitioners can specialize in many areas: Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) provide care across the lifespan from newborns to elderly; Adult-Gerontology NPs focus on adults and seniors; Pediatric NPs specialize in children; Women's Health NPs provide gynecologic and reproductive care; Psychiatric-Mental Health NPs treat mental health conditions; Acute Care NPs work in hospitals and intensive care; Neonatal NPs care for premature and critically ill newborns; Oncology NPs specialize in cancer care; Cardiology NPs focus on heart conditions. Many NPs also subspecialize in areas like diabetes management, pain management, dermatology, gastroenterology, or palliative care.
How do I know if a nurse practitioner is board certified?
You can verify NP board certification by checking the certifying body's website. The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board (AANPCB) and American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) maintain online directories of certified NPs. You can also ask the NP directly - they should readily provide their credentials including certification type (FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, etc.), certifying body, and certification expiration date. State boards of nursing also verify licensure and certification. Look for credentials after the NP's name: FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified), AGPCNP-BC (Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified), PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified), etc.
Will I wait a long time to get an appointment with a nurse practitioner?
Generally, appointment wait times for nurse practitioners are shorter than for physicians. For new patient appointments, you might wait 1-4 weeks (compared to 4-8 weeks or more for physicians in many areas). For established patients with urgent issues, many NP practices offer same-day or next-day appointments. The shorter wait times are partly due to the growing number of NPs (over 355,000 in the U.S.) and partly because NPs often have more flexible scheduling. Some practices with NPs specifically market quick access to care. However, wait times vary by location, specialty, and practice demand. Calling several practices and asking about new patient availability can help you find an NP with shorter wait times.
Can nurse practitioners work independently or do they need physician supervision?
This varies by state. Currently, 26 states plus Washington D.C. allow nurse practitioners full practice authority, meaning they can evaluate patients, diagnose, order tests, prescribe medications, and provide care independently without physician oversight. These are called 'full practice' states. In 'reduced practice' states, NPs have some restrictions and may need a collaborative agreement with a physician, though this rarely affects day-to-day patient care. In 'restricted practice' states, NPs must work under physician supervision. Even in full practice states, NPs often choose to collaborate with physicians on complex cases. The trend nationwide is toward recognizing NP independence as research consistently shows NPs provide safe, high-quality care.
Are nurse practitioner visits covered the same as doctor visits by insurance?
Yes, virtually all insurance plans cover nurse practitioner visits at the same level as physician visits. Medicare reimburses NP services at 85% of the physician fee schedule, but most Medicare Advantage plans cover at 100%. Commercial insurance, Medicaid, and employer-based plans treat NP services the same as physician services. Your copay for seeing an NP is typically the same as seeing a physician ($15-$50 for primary care, $30-$75 for specialists). Preventive services like annual physicals are covered at 100% regardless of whether provided by an NP or physician. Some patients even prefer NPs because the overall cost may be lower while receiving the same quality of care with potentially more time spent with the provider.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
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