WHO ARE PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS

A primary care physician provides both the first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions, not limited by cause, organ system, or diagnosis. To become primary care physicians, medical school graduates undertake postgraduate training in primary care programs, such as family medicine, pediatrics or internal medicine.

Emergency physicians are sometimes counted as primary care physicians. Emergency physicians see many primary care cases, but in contrast to family physicians, pediatricians and internists, are trained and organized to focus on episodic care, acute intervention, stabilization, and discharge or transfer or referral to definitive care, with less of a focus on chronic conditions and limited provision for continuing care.

NON-PHYSICIAN PROVIDERS

Non-physician healthcare professionals, such as Certified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, provide individuals and families with another healthcare option beyond a licensed physician. CNPs provide a broad range of healthcare services, collaborate closely with physicians, and often serve as a patient’s regular healthcare provider.

UNDERSTANDING A CNP
A CNP is an advanced practice nurse who has completed graduate-level education (either Master’s or Doctoral degree). All CNPs are registered nurses with additional education/training, licensed through state nursing boards, and hold national certification in an area of specialty, such as family health.

The core philosophy of a CNP is individualized care, making prevention, wellness, and patient education a priority. CNPs treat both physical and mental conditions through comprehensive history taking, physical exams, and ordering tests and therapies for patients within their scope of practice.

UNDERSTANDING A PA
PAs are trained in intensive programs by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant. Because of the close working relationship with physicians, PAs are educated in the medical model designed to complement physician training. PAs are found in all areas of medicine such as family medicine and internal medicine. The “C” after a PA’s title means that the PA met the defined course of study and has undergone testing by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

A CNP’S or PA’S SCOPE OF PRACTICE
A Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant plays a primary role in the following:

• The diagnosis, treatment, evaluation, and management of both acute and chronic diseases (such as diabetes and high blood pressure)
  
• Physical examinations
  
• Diagnostic studies interpretation and ordering (such as EKGs and lab tests)
  
• Medication prescription (state regulations vary)
  
• Well-child care
  
• The education and counseling on patient health behaviors, self-care skills and treatment options
  
• Surgery assistance

KEITH BLAIR, MD
726 N Sandusky Street
Bucyrus, OH 44820
419-562-7676

JOHN HANNA, MD, FAAFP
270 Portland Way S
Galion, OH 44833
419-468-5999

CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, DO
725 N Sandusky Avenue
Bucyrus, OH 44820
419-562-7557

MICHAEL JOHNSON, MD
725 N Sandusky Street
Bucyrus, OH 44820
419-562-7557

FERESHTE KHAVARI, MD
120 W Main Street
New Washington, OH 44854
419-492-2200

HEATHER AUCK, CNP
629 N Sandusky Avenue
Bucyrus, OH 44820
419-563-9865

JENNIFER LINK, CNP
1323 E Mansfield Street
Bucyrus, OH 44833
419-563-0300