What is the difference between a PA, an NP, and an MD? All three are licensed health professionals who can examine patients, diagnose illnesses, order tests, and prescribe medicine. The main differences are in their training paths. An MD (medical doctor) completes medical school and a residency. A PA (physician assistant) completes a graduate program built on the medical model. An NP (nurse practitioner) is a registered nurse with advanced graduate training. At Urgent Care & Family Medicine in Conway, SC, our team includes all three, working together so you get skilled, timely care. Walk-ins are welcome for urgent care, and you can call to schedule family medicine visits.
Have questions about our providers or need to be seen? Call our Conway clinic today.
What Is an MD?
An MD, or Doctor of Medicine, is a physician. The path usually includes:
- A four-year college degree
- Four years of medical school
- A residency of three or more years in a specialty, such as family medicine or internal medicine
- Passing national licensing exams and, often, specialty board certification
Physicians can practice independently, care for complex cases, and supervise or collaborate with PAs and NPs. Some physicians are DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine), who complete similar training and have the same practice rights as MDs.
What Is a PA?
A PA, or physician assistant (sometimes called a physician associate), is trained in the medical model, much like physicians, but in a shorter program. The path usually includes:
- A college degree with science prerequisites, often plus prior hands-on patient care experience
- A master’s level PA program, typically around two to three years, including classroom study and clinical rotations across many specialties
- Passing a national certification exam, which allows them to use “PA-C” after their name
- Ongoing continuing education and periodic recertification
PAs are trained as generalists, which gives them flexibility to work in many fields, including urgent care and family medicine. They work as part of a team with physicians, under state rules that define how that relationship works.
What Is an NP?
An NP, or nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse. The path usually includes:
- A nursing degree and a registered nurse (RN) license
- Often, years of experience working as a nurse
- A master’s or doctoral degree in a nurse practitioner specialty, such as family practice
- Passing a national board certification exam in that specialty, such as Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)
NPs bring a nursing perspective that emphasizes patient education, prevention, and the whole person. Like PAs, they practice under state laws that set out how they work with physicians.
Get care from an experienced team in Conway. Call 843-347-2121 or walk in during open hours.
What Can Each Provider Do?
For most everyday health needs, the care you receive from a PA, NP, or MD will look very similar. All three can:
- Take your history and perform a physical exam
- Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
- Order and interpret lab work and x-rays
- Prescribe medicines
- Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes
- Perform physicals and preventive screenings
- Perform many in-office procedures
- Refer you to specialists
Physicians typically have the most extensive training and are often involved when cases become more complex. In a team-based practice, providers consult each other so patients benefit from everyone’s expertise.
Who Are the Providers at Our Clinic?
Our Conway team includes Darryl K. Valentine, PA-C, the owner of the practice; Stephen Remine, MD; and Stephanie Miller, FNP. Together they care for patients of all ages in both urgent care and family medicine. Learn more about our team on the About Us page.
Will You Get Good Care From a PA or NP?
Yes. PAs and NPs are highly trained, licensed, and nationally certified. Research has generally found that the quality of care they provide for common primary care needs is comparable to that of physicians, and patients often report high satisfaction with their visits. PAs and NPs also help clinics see patients more quickly, which means shorter waits for you.
If you ever have a preference for a particular provider or type of provider, just let our front desk know. We will do our best to accommodate you.
How Do You Know Who You Are Seeing?
Providers typically introduce themselves and their role at the start of a visit, and their credentials appear on your visit summary. Common abbreviations include:
- MD: Doctor of Medicine
- DO: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
- PA-C: Physician Assistant, Certified
- FNP or FNP-C: Family Nurse Practitioner, certified
- RN: Registered Nurse
Feel free to ask your provider about their background. Good providers are happy to answer.
Which Provider Should You Choose as Your Primary Care Provider?
The most important factor is often the relationship. Choose someone you feel comfortable with, who listens, explains things clearly, and is available when you need care. Many patients in our practice see more than one member of our team over time, and that is fine, because your records are shared and your care stays coordinated. Read more on why it helps to have a primary care provider in Conway.
Why Choose Urgent Care & Family Medicine in Conway?
We are located at 235 Singleton Ridge Road and open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Our team offers urgent care, family medicine, physicals, and on-site labs and x-rays. We accept most major insurance and offer clear self-pay rates.
How Do PAs, NPs, and MDs Work Together?
Modern health care is a team effort. In a practice like ours, each provider sees their own patients, and they regularly consult with one another when a case is unusual, complex, or would benefit from a second opinion. A PA might ask a physician to look at an x-ray. A physician might ask an NP with a strong background in patient education to help a newly diagnosed patient learn about their condition. This kind of collaboration means you get the benefit of the whole team’s knowledge, not just one person’s. It also lets the practice offer more appointment times and walk-in availability, so you can be seen sooner.
Does It Matter for Urgent Care?
For most urgent care needs, such as sore throats, urinary tract infections, sprains, and rashes, PAs, NPs, and physicians all provide the same high standard of care. They follow the same evidence-based guidelines, use the same on-site tests, and know when a problem needs a specialist or the emergency room. What matters most is getting seen promptly by a qualified provider who takes your concerns seriously.
Do Costs Differ by Provider Type?
For most visits at our clinic, what you pay depends on your insurance plan and the services you receive, not on whether you see a PA, NP, or MD. If you have questions about your costs, our front desk team is happy to help. You can also read about urgent care costs in Conway.
What Questions Can You Ask Your Provider?
It is always fine to ask about a provider’s background and experience. You might ask how long they have been practicing, what kinds of patients they see most often, or how they work with the rest of the team. You can also ask how follow-up works, who to contact with questions after your visit, and how you will receive test results. Clear communication builds trust, and a good provider welcomes your questions.
In the end, the title after a provider’s name is only one part of the picture. Training, experience, teamwork, and how well a provider listens all shape the care you receive. Our goal is for every patient to leave feeling heard, informed, and confident in their plan.
If you are ever unsure who is the right person to see for a particular concern, just call our office. Our staff can help you choose a visit type and provider that fit your needs.
Meet a provider who will get to know you. Call our Conway clinic or request an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a PA prescribe medicine?
Yes. Physician assistants can prescribe medicines within the rules set by state law.
Can a nurse practitioner be my primary care provider?
Yes. Nurse practitioners commonly serve as primary care providers for patients of all ages.
Is a PA the same as a medical assistant?
No. A physician assistant is a licensed provider with graduate-level training who diagnoses and treats patients. A medical assistant supports the care team with tasks such as vital signs and paperwork.
What does PA-C mean?
PA-C means Physician Assistant, Certified. It shows the PA passed a national certification exam and keeps that certification current.
Can I request to see a specific provider?
Yes. Let our front desk know your preference when you call, and we will do our best to accommodate it.