Actually, I couldn't get in to see my doctor and I saw her nurse practitioner. Apparently he can prescribe certain medicine and can refer to specialists.

Anyway, I was pretty impressed with his knowledge. He asked the right questions. Did a "baseline" exam of my good knee then checked the bum knee. He spent plenty of time with me. wrote very thorough notes on the computer.

I've been using PAs and NPs since 1978. If they are good, they know their limits, when to get the doctor and when refer. Go with your gut. I love my doctor but she did a good job hiring this NP. He seems good, too.