Poll shows public prefers MDs over NPs

Many observers point to nurse practitioners (NPs) and other advanced practice professionals as a cornerstone of care delivery under healthcare reform efforts. However, a new poll from Ipsos found that 72% of respondents who were asked to choose who they prefer to see for their medical care wanted a physician over a nurse practitioner. Just 7% said they’d prefer an NP, while 21% had no preference or didn’t know. In addition, 73% of those surveyed would prefer to take a loved one to a physician over an NP.

The survey of 1,000 adults was conducted on behalf of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Americans’ preference to see or take a loved one to see a physician is reflected in their current medical choices. More than seven in 10 Americans currently see a physician for their main medical care, and three quarters take a child or loved one to a physician for their main medical care,” Ipsos reported earlier this week.