Is Your Doctor Really a Doctor?

We are seeing significantly more medical malpractice by midlevel providers, who are also known as “physician extenders.” These are often nurse practitioners or physician assistants who don’t make clear to their patients that they are NOT doctors. In Georgia, they are not allowed to provide medical care unless they are supervised by a specified doctor. Unfortunately, this “supervision” is usually only after the fact, and quite loose.

Physician extenders usually handle more routine types of examination and treatment, but sometimes get in over their heads. Supervising doctors may not always have the time to check the extenders’ work, and extenders sometimes perform work they are not permitted to do. Guidelines can be vague, and supervising doctors are extremely busy. As a result, the midlevels they oversee may not want to interrupt them with questions. Patients often believe they’ve received thorough care, when important signs and symptoms have been missed, and necessary treatment has not been pursued.

If you are have been injured by the malpractice of a midlevel, you have the legal right to compensation for your damages. You should speak with an experienced Georgia medical malpractice attorney to discuss your possible claims.