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News and briefs: Will doctor title cause confusion?

Medical Staff Leader Connection, October 6, 2011

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The title of doctor is no longer reserved for physicians, as nurses, physical therapists, and pharmacists head back to school to earn a doctorate degree in their fields, and with it, the prefix accompanying their name. As more healthcare professions earn doctorate degrees, physicians question the true motive behind this move.

According to an article in the New York Times, some physicians attribute the increase in doctorate programs to other healthcare professionals wanting the power to see patients independently, prescribe medication, and receive a greater share from the reimbursement pot. They are worried that this may lead to confusion among patients, who may not understand the difference between a physician or nurse if they both use the title of doctor. Many physicians contend that they should be the ones to lead a patient’s care, because they have the most training. However, studies have shown that nurses with master’s level training offer care that is as good, and sometimes better than that of primary care physicians.

Will it help patients to be able to see healthcare providers with doctorate degrees instead of their primary care physician? While it may initially help cut down on the wait time to see someone other than the physician, it may also lead to an increase in costs as these additional healthcare providers seek more money.

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