This is in reference to “Is there a doctor in the house?” (Health & Family, Jan. 21).
As a geriatric nurse practitioner who makes house calls for Swedish Covenant Hospital, I was pleased to see a favorable light placed on physicians who provide medical care for the homebound.
Unfortunately there wasn’t a mention of nurse practitioners.
In my role, I perform history and physicals, determine the needs and problems of patients, adjust medications, refer to agencies that can assist patients and arrange for the transfer of patients to the hospital.
I teach patients and their families how to provide for safety and comfort.
I write progress notes and bill Medicare for my service under the same reimbursement codes as physicians.
Advanced practice nurses (NP’s, midwives, nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists) are coming of age in Illinois.
We are important team members and in some cases preferred for routine care.
