A campaign launched in Idaho is hoping to empower residents by teaching them the difference between a medical physician, a chiropractor, a psychologist and a podiatrist.
The "Know Your Doc" campaign, launched by the Idaho Medical Association, aims to reduce issues that stem from patient confusion about medical credentials, according to the Idaho Statesman.
"Medical doctors frequently relate stories of patients who have seen another 'doctor' and were advised to stop the medications or treatments they [were] prescribed. Sometimes these patients come in because they are having serious problems. Only later does it become clear the patient thought the other provider was a medical doctor, but in fact he or she was not," the campaign website reads, according to the report.
Susie Pouliot, CEO of the Idaho Medical Association, told the Statesman members of the medical association embrace working with other providers like physician assistants, nurse practitioners and chiropractors, "But it's done as a team," she said, "with coordination and complete transparency to the patient."
Previously, the Idaho Medical Association supported legislation to require providers to clearly present their credentials, according to the report.
More articles on integration and physician issues:
Most in-demand physician specialties and average incomes
Should physician performance data be transparent?
3 physicians from America's tiniest towns talk patient relationships, rural practice and the state of healthcare