Can a nurse practitioner help diagnose GERD?!
Question: I really do think I have GERD because the pain I experience with heartburn and I get heartburn frequently. I spent 2 hours today looking for a new doctor that would see me with my stupid tricare standard plan. Well I finally got into a doc that is not in my network so I am going to have to pay out of pocket expenses but I have such a headache from calling I do not care. But the doc that is there is all booked up and I made an app. with a nurse practitioner. Do you think she can help me with this problem? I have only seen a nurse practitioner once before and that was just because I had the flu.
Answers: I really do think I have GERD because the pain I experience with heartburn and I get heartburn frequently. I spent 2 hours today looking for a new doctor that would see me with my stupid tricare standard plan. Well I finally got into a doc that is not in my network so I am going to have to pay out of pocket expenses but I have such a headache from calling I do not care. But the doc that is there is all booked up and I made an app. with a nurse practitioner. Do you think she can help me with this problem? I have only seen a nurse practitioner once before and that was just because I had the flu.
Yes, the nurse practitioner is a good first step. If she does not know for sure she can call on the doctor for a second opinion. They are usually good about doing what they are qualified to do and forwarding or consulting for patients who are beyond there expertise. It sure beats trying to find a doctor on your own.
yes