Published on March 14, 2025

The Benefits of Seeing an Advanced Practice Provider

Image of a female patient sitting on an exam table, talking to a female doctor.

You may not be familiar with the name, but you’ve likely been seen by an advanced practice provider at some point. In many cases, they are the primary care provider for a panel of patients and in other cases they may provide specialty care.

What is an advanced practice provider (APP)?

Advanced practice providers are licensed medical practitioners that are either Physician Assistants or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, such as nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives.

They have undergone extensive medical education and credentialing to be able to diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform procedures, and even publish clinical research.

APPs may work alongside physicians or collaborate with a physician to practice independently within the scope of that collaborating physician’s practice.

What are the benefits of seeing an APP?

APPs adhere to the same high-quality standards of care as physicians and contribute to making care more accessible and affordable. 

Below are several benefits to seeing an APP:

  • You’ll likely be able to schedule an appointment or visit more quickly.
  • More one-on-one time for education and communication.
  • Lower the overall cost of care.
  • APPs often have backgrounds in nursing or other patient care fields, enabling them to establish personal connections with patients and collaborate effectively to deliver the best possible care.

“As an APP, managing patients with multiple or chronic conditions requires a comprehensive and organized approach,” explains Physician Assistant Danielle Russo, who sees patients at MyMichigan Primary Care in Sault Ste. Marie. “I try to address the full scope of a patient’s health, considering how their conditions interact and impact daily life. Care coordination is essential, and our team collaborates closely with specialists, pharmacists, and other care teams to prevent gaps in care, reduce medication interactions, and avoid duplicate testing. Regular follow-up allows me to monitor trends and make proactive adjustments. Patient education is also a key component. By helping patients understand their diagnoses, treatment plans, and the importance of lifestyle modifications, I support them in managing their health and improving long-term outcomes. It’s not just about managing diseases; it’s about improving quality of life.”

What can patients expect when they see an APP? 

Patients typically do not notice any difference between appointments and encounters with APPs versus physicians. The typical flow of a visit remains the same, with the patient reporting their symptoms or progress to the provider and the provider performing the necessary examination, evaluation, and research to come up with a recommended plan of care. The provider may offer:

  • Education
  • Answer patients' questions
  • Prescribe medications or testing
  • Perform procedures
  • Coordinate referrals to other specialists and follow up with the patient to ensure their goals are met.

Patients who have an APP as their primary care provider often develop life-long trusting relationships with their provider. By expanding access and managing primary care and chronic disease, APPs play a vital role in enhancing care, improving outcomes, and reducing health costs.

“One of my favorite parts of being a primary care APP is the relationships I build with patients over time,” says Russo. “Establishing trust and creating a space where patients feel comfortable opening up is essential. My team and I strive to create an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and involved in their care. When patients feel supported and involved in their own care, they are more likely to follow through with treatment plans and stay engaged in managing their health. I see myself as a partner in their care journey. I offer guidance and medical expertise, but I also listen to what matters most to them and tailor my approach to fit their goals and lifestyle. Ultimately, it’s about being consistent, compassionate, and present so patients know they have someone they can rely on, not just when they are sick, but to help them stay well long term. Over time, this helps build trust and supports better, more personalized care.”

Danielle Russo, P.A.-C., is a physician assistant specializing in internal medicine who sees patients at MyMichigan Primary Care in Sault Ste. Marie.