A split image showing a physician assistant on one side and a nurse practitioner on the other.

Physician Assistant vs Nurse Practitioner: Know Who’s Who in Healthcare

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It can be hard to know the differences between all the various roles in the medical field. Nurse practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) seem similar enough to cause confusion if you’re not a healthcare professional. They do many of the same things for the patient population, but their career path is slightly different, including their education, what they can do, and where they can do it.

So, physician assistant vs. nurse practitioner: what’s the difference and who should you see?

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Members of a collaborative care team discussing patient care management.

What Is a Collaborative Care Model, and How Does It Improve Patient Outcomes?

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Your health is important, and you deserve the best care possible.

Great care addresses both your physical and mental health needs. Too often, traditional treatment plans and health care models let mental health care fall by the wayside – but this is a mistake. Our mental health and our physical health impact one another, so when you neglect one, you’re really neglecting both.

The good news is that evolving collaborative care models address both physical and behavioral healthcare needs, improving the quality of care as a result.  Read more

A family practitioner providing health care to a child.

What’s the Difference? Internal Medicine vs. Family Medicine

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It’s important to know what doctor to go to when you need healthcare services…but with all of the specialities out there, it can get overwhelming. To make things even more confusing, there are subtle differences between types of primary care providers – especially when it comes down to who and what they treat. So, internal medicine vs. family medicine providers: what’s the difference and who should you see?

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A primary care physician giving a new patient a health screening.

6 Reasons a Good Primary Care Physician = Good Health Care

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Good health is important – not just when you’re sick – always. To achieve long-lasting wellness, you can’t only seek out a doctor when you have health concerns. You need a family doctor that knows your medical history and stays on top of your healthcare needs. A primary care provider (PCP) can do that for you. Yet, nearly one third of Americans don’t have a primary care physician for important, everyday healthcare services.

A primary care physician is an integral part of achieving better health over the course of your entire life.

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A patient talking to their dedicated care team.

6 Reasons Integrated Care Is Important For Better Health Outcomes

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Healthcare is changing. There have been major advancements in our understanding of diseases and how to treat them, and each year, more and more medical devices hit the market as technology evolves to address illness.

But, despite these innovations, people in the United States report receiving low-quality care for a higher price than before. In fact, as many as 60% of Americans reported dissatisfaction with the current healthcare system.

This is why more and more people are turning to integrated healthcare services. An integrated healthcare model addresses the concerns of care costs and increases the quality of care you and your loved ones receive. If you’re searching for high-quality health care, then you should start by looking into integrated care.

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A primary care physician welcoming a new patient.

7 Traits of an Excellent Primary Care Doctor

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Your health is important, so why would you choose anything less than the best primary care physician (PCP)? When selecting a healthcare provider, there are some key traits to look for in order to find the best of the best.  Read more

Patient talking with a primary care doctor.

What’s the Difference Between MD and DO? Understanding Primary Care Doctors

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What’s the difference – Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)? With so many healthcare provider options, choosing a primary care physician can be confusing. Whether you are new to choosing a family doctor or have been searching for years, it’s essential to understand what each doctor’s title means before deciding which one best suits your needs.

There are similarities and differences between MD and DO physicians, including medical education, philosophies behind practicing medicine, and degree specialties. Make the most informed choice for yourself by understanding the background of your next primary care physician.

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Two doctors at an integrated healthcare facility speaking to a patient about their care plan.

Benefits of Integrated Healthcare: Health Care Teams That Support Whole-Person Well-Being

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Integrated health care services are becoming a more prevalent part of the healthcare system, because better health outcomes require that healthcare providers are aware of the patient’s overall health. Patient care that combines behavioral health needs with physical health needs leads to better health outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Integrated health care services achieve that by creating an interprofessional care team that provides a holistic approach to patient care. In doing so, healthcare providers streamline communications to provide a higher-quality of care at a lower cost.

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A patient talking with a primary care physician.

Looking at the Top Reasons for Primary Care Visits

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Primary care providers are the first line of defense against many health conditions. They can diagnose health problems, manage chronic diseases, and perform annual check-ups. Regular visits with your primary care doctor are preventive but may result in referrals to specialists for medical care. The following are some of the top reasons for primary care visits.

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Integrated health care services available at Meridian.

What Does Integrated Healthcare Look Like in 2023?

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As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, so does the concept of an integrated healthcare system. In 2023, integrated healthcare is poised to take on an increasingly important role in health care delivery, as healthcare providers seek to improve outcomes, enhance patient experiences, and contain costs.

The integration of physical and mental health care, emphasis on providing whole-person patient care, and the use of technology to facilitate communication among healthcare providers are just a few of the trends that are shaping the future of integrated healthcare.

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