As medical practices evolve, it is not uncommon for patients to receive care from advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, and medical therapists, among many others, in addition to physicians. The formal titles of these health care providers and their manner of introduction to patients may lead to increased patient confusion concerning their medical care. A coalition of medical organizations in Iowa, including the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians, Polk County Medical Society, and others, believe that patients deserve to know who is providing their care and what these providers are licensed to diagnose, prescribe, and treat.
In our work towards improved patient safety, we look to evaluate the scope of the problem.