(Herkimer):   Mayor Ainsworth, states it is important to acknowledge the critical role nurse practitioners play right here in our own community in providing primary health care services. Ainsworth points out that there several nurse practitioners providing care at Bassett Healthcare, Folts Home, Valley Health Services, Little Falls Hospital and Slocum Dickson Medical Group in Ilion to name a few.  Markwardt explained for 45 years, Nurse Practitioners have been meeting the primary and specialty care needs of their patients with the highest level of medical expertise and patient satisfaction. Many people choose NPs as their primary care provider, just as others may select MDs or DOs.

NPs deliver high-quality, cost-effective, comprehensive, personalized, patient-centered healthcare with excellent outcomes. In addition to diagnosing and managing acute and chronic illness, NPs place a strong emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Patients appreciate the time that NPs spend with them, the holistic approach NPs have with patients and their families, and their knowledge about the medical issues of the patient. By providing both expert clinical care and health counseling, NPs can lower the cost of healthcare for patients. For example, patients with NPs as their primary care provider have fewer instances of emergency room visits, shorter hospital stays and often have lower medication costs. This can be attributed to the fact that NPs partner with patients for their health and provide the necessary information so that the patient knows when early intervention is needed.

Among their many services, Nurse Practitioners:

Deliver a unique blend of nursing and medical care, focusing on care and cure

Order, perform and interpret diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays

Diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, infections and injuries

Prescribe medications and other treatments

NPs practice autonomously and collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, treat, and manage the patient's health problems and needs. They serve as healthcare researchers, interdisciplinary consultants and patient advocates. They are graduates of master's, postmaster's or doctoral NP programs, with advanced clinical preparation to provide primary, acute, and chronic care to patients of all ages and walks of life.