Choosing a Primary Care Provider

Finding the Right PCP for Your Needs

Choosing a primary care provider (PCP) that's right for you and your family is important. PCPs provide outstanding care for the entire family, from newborns to seniors and every age in-between.

At Core Physicians, you can choose a doctor or a nurse practitioner (NP) as your PCP. Our nurse practitioners are recognized and accepted by insurance companies as primary care providers, giving you a wider range of options throughout the Seacoast area.

Frequently Asked Questions about NP PCPs

Why choose a nurse practitioner as my PCP?

Finding a PCP who is easy to talk to is very important to many people; others may feel the provider's experience level is most important. Nurse practitioners undergo extensive education and training and are highly qualified to meet your primary care needs.

Our providers have clinical skills in diagnosing and managing health conditions while also focusing on helping patients maintain good health. Our providers are organized into care teams to encourage collaboration, allowing for physician involvement in the care of patients.

If a nurse practitioner is my PCP, can I still see a doctor?

All of our primary care nurse practitioners, doctors and physician assistants work together to coordinate care, and a doctor is always available to provide guidance when needed.

Regardless of who is your primary care provider, you may be seen by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant for your appointments, depending on the reason for the appointment and how quickly you need to be seen. We prioritize getting you the right care at the right time to address your need.

Will my insurance allow me to have a nurse practitioner as my primary care provider?

Yes, insurance companies do recognize nurse practitioners as primary care providers, along with physicians. Only physician assistants do not fill the role of primary care provider.

What is a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree?

All nurse practitioners are licensed clinicians who have earned either an MSN (master’s degree) or DNP (doctoral degree). NPs who have earned a DNP have completed a specific set of doctoral-level courses required in all DNP programs. A DNP degree is also different from an MD or DO degree, which are the doctoral degrees in medicine, earned by physicians.

Physician assistants (PAs) have received a master’s level education.