A NURSE PRACTITIONER also known as physician extender has advanced education and training
in a health care specialty.

Nurse practitioners provide health care similar to physicians including:
Performing advanced physical examsOrdering and interpreting diagnostic tests like blood work and X-rays
Diagnosing and initiating a plan of careOrdering medicationsEvaluating response to treatments
Working closely with other specialists as needed Working very closely with the attending provider

Nurse practitioners are specialists providing health care in a variety of areas including Adult and
Family practices, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Cardiology, Dermatology, surgeons, Mental Health, Neonatology,
Obstetrics, Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine, Ear nose throat specialists, Pulmonologist and Allergy
and Asthma. In essence the Physician extender works very closely with the provider she is working with
and helps coordinate care to a higher level with a team approach.

At Allergy Asthma Specialists the NURSE PRACTITIONER, PHYSICIAN EXTENDER like the doctors will:

1- Complete a detailed medical history
2- Perform physical exams
3- Order and interpret allergy skin testing
4- Order and interpret pulmonary function tests (lung capacity tests)
5- Order and interpret blood work or X-rays
6- Perform skin biopsy or other procedures
7- Initiate medications and treatments
8- Monitor progress during follow up appointments
9- Review progress and care with the physician
10-Coordinate home care or refer to other specialists as necessary

The following websites have additional information regarding educational background, licensure, responsibilities
and the nurse practitioner role.

American Nurses Association www.nursingworld.org
American Nurses Credentialing Center www.nursecredentialing.org
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners www.aanp.org