nonphysician provider


nonphysician provider

A health care professional licensed to provide healing services that complement or supplement those provided by a physician. Such providers include midwives, nurse practitioners, optometrists, physican assistants, physical or occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers, and chiropractors. In many settings, physicians and nonphysician providers evaluate and treat the same patients. Most states limit the practice privileges and prescribing authority of nonphysician providers. Synonym: nonphysician clinician; nonphysician health care provider; nonphysician professionalSee also: provider