[throwaway62333]

The opposite can happen too — nurse practitioner immediately demanding unnecessary biopsy or other tests because they cannot confidently rule something out. This happened to me recently when I went to a np for a known problem I have had for years that was already diagnosed by multiple doctors. I also find np is much more likely to prescribe antibiotics. Of course this is all anecdotal. I used to be very much in favor of expanding the scope of what nurses can do but now I feel like that may do more harm than good.

[Scoundreller]

Not only anecdotal, but unknown which one is more correct.

Any biopsy or test that comes back negative could be considered unnecessary, but we don’t know that in advance.

Is it worth testing for a 5% likely disease that would be serious if found? Not running it will save time/money 95/100. Doesn’t mean it’s the right approach.

[kradroy]

A psych NP was the only person who correctly diagnosed my condition and treated it successfully. I went to 5 psychiatrists in 10 years who couldn't get it right. She had worked in a hospital setting for quite a while. I'm guessing the psychs did the minimum necessary.