Do Titles Matter?

The State of Indiana just passed a law about transparency in healthcare because many healthcare providers who perform tasks like those done by physicians are not actually M.D.s.

For example, nurse anesthetists call themselves “anesthesiologists” which can confuse the average person.  This new law requires that patients be informed of the specific qualifications of the healthcare professionals involved with their care.

In California, where I reside, there is an urgent care service called M.D. Today.  People go there believing they will be seen by an M.D. but, most likely, the person will be seen by a Physician Assistant with no M.D. actually being in the facility.

Several medical groups have opposed the misappropriation of medical specialty title.  In particular, the American Association of Nurses Anesthetists recently changed its name to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).

Opposing that name change was the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) asking for transparency.  According to the AANA, the name was changed due to rebranding.  “The notion of being pushed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists that rebranding and changing the name of the AANA will somehow mislead or harm patients or create discord among providers is absurd at best and false and inflammatory fearmongering at worst.”

With so many different specialties in health care, a nurse practitioner who has a Doctor of Nursing practice, can call themself “doctor.”  But just because one is titled as “doctor” does not mean that the person is a physician.

I believe the public has a right to know of the degrees their healthcare providers have earned but also, I question why that information would be hidden from the public.

It is interesting that Indiana feels compelled to pass a law on this.

How are health care professionals differentiated where you work?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.