Frequently Asked
Questions

All NPs must complete a master's or doctoral degree program and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse (RN) preparation. Didactic and clinical courses prepare nurses with specialized knowledge and clinical competency to practice in primary care, acute care and long-term health care settings.  

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To be recognized as expert health care providers and ensure the highest quality of care, NPs undergo rigorous national certification, periodic peer review, clinical outcome evaluations and adhere to a code for ethical practices. Self-directed continued learning and professional development is also essential to maintaining clinical competency. 

 

Additionally, to promote quality health care and improve clinical outcomes, NPs lead and participate in both professional and lay health care forums, conduct research and apply findings to clinical practice. 

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NPs are licensed in all states and the District of Columbia, and they practice under the rules and regulations of the state in which they are licensed. They provide high-quality care in rural, urban and suburban communities and in many types of settings, including clinics, hospitals, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician or NP practices, nursing homes, schools, colleges and public health departments. 

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Autonomously and in collaboration with health care professionals and other individuals, NPs provide a full range of primary, acute and specialty health care services, including: 

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• Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays. 

• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections and injuries. 

• Prescribing medications and other treatments. 

• Managing patients' overall care. 

• Counseling. 

• Educating patients on disease prevention and positive health and lifestyle choices. 

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What sets NPs apart from other health care providers is their unique emphasis on the health and well-being of the whole person. With a focus on health promotion, disease prevention and health education and counseling, NPs guide patients in making smarter health and lifestyle choices, which in turn can lower patients' out-of-pocket costs. 

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Concierge medicine is an umbrella term commonly used to describe a relationship between a patient and provider in which the patient pays a monthly or annual fixed fee. Patients pay fees for conveniences like longer appointment times and convenient in-home visits.

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To provide those conveniences, most concierge providers see fewer patients or set aside days of the week when they see only their concierge service patients. Their practices are subsidized by patient fees, which differ from those subsidized by insurers.  

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Concierge medicine can be defined as: 

• A health care arrangement in which patients pay an enrollment fee to receive care at a medical practice 

• A popular term for greater health care access and services which may be purchased from a specialist for a concierge fee 

• A medical practice in which a patient pays a provider in advance for unique, round-the-clock access to their professional services, without an intermediary such as an insurance company. 

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Concierge Medicine, also known as Retainer Medicine, is a relationship between a patient and a primary care provider in which the patient pays an annual fee or retainer. This may or may not be in addition to other charges. In exchange for the retainer, providers agree to provide enhanced care, including lower patient loads in order to give adequate time, availability & attention.  

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The practice can be referred to as concierge medicine, retainer medicine, membership medicine, cash-only practice and direct care. While all “concierge” medicine practices share similarities, they vary widely in structure, payment requirements and form of operation.  

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