Family Physicians & Nurse Practitioners — What’s the Difference?
Choosing a primary care provider is an important decision.
At iHealthMD, care is provided by Family Physicians (FPs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who work together to support your long-term health.
Both Family Physicians and Nurse Practitioners are licensed primary care providers in British Columbia.
This means either an FP or an NP can be your Family Docor.
Family Physicians often focus on complex diagnoses and medical decision-making.
Nurse Practitioners often have more time to focus on prevention, patient education, lifestyle support, and regular follow-ups.
WHY PRIMARY CARE MATTERS
Prevention & Screening
Regular check-ups and screening tests help catch problems earlier and support long-term health.
Your Medical Home
Your provider knows your history, medications, and health risks, so your care is personal and well coordinated.
Chronic Condition Support
Ongoing care for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, and other chronic illnesses.
Care When You’re Sick
Your primary care team is your first contact for new symptoms, concerns, or health questions.
Coordination & Referrals
Your provider helps organize tests, referrals, and specialist care while guiding you through the system.
Mental & Emotional Health
Support for anxiety, mood concerns, stress, sleep issues, and overall emotional well-being.