Compare 5 nurse practitioners in Pala, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
A visit with an NP is similar to a physician visit. They will take a health history, perform a physical examination, order labs or imaging if needed, diagnose conditions, and prescribe treatment. NPs can refer you to specialists. Appointments are typically 20 to 40 minutes. NPs often spend extra time on patient education, lifestyle counseling, and answering questions. For new patients, expect a comprehensive health history review.
You might see a nurse practitioner for any of the same reasons you would see a primary care doctor: annual wellness exams, acute illness (cold, flu, infections), chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, asthma), mental health concerns, women's health, pediatric care, or geriatric care. NPs are especially common in urgent care clinics, retail clinics, community health centers, and rural areas where physician access is limited. Psychiatric NPs (PMHNPs) prescribe and manage psychiatric medications.
Office visit copay: $20-50 · Annual physical: $0 (covered preventive) · Urgent care NP visit: $30-75 copay · Telehealth visit: $0-50 copay
All insurance plans cover nurse practitioner visits. Copays and cost-sharing are typically the same as physician visits. Medicare reimburses NPs at 85% of the physician fee schedule, but this does not affect your copay. NPs are listed in insurance directories alongside physicians. If you are looking for a primary care provider accepting new patients, NPs often have shorter wait times for new patient appointments.