MD vs NP Exams

Over the last few years, I've seen an NP over an MD. They're always easier to get into see and they tend to be younger and cuter than their MD counterparts. But when I do physicals with an NP vs. What I remember with an MD, there's no removing of clothes, no real examination vs an MD was more of a head-to-toe look. With the NP, it's more of a conversation, she check my breathing, maybe palpates a place or two and the end. Is this an NP thing, have I just gotten non-thorough NPs or is that where physicals have gone, even with MDs?

I have also started seeing a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant rather than an MD for most things. As you said, they're easier to get an appointment with.

To your point, I've had it both ways with NPs - I've had some who basically did an interview and that was it. The last one I had was much more thorough - including a genital exam and DRE.

I've also had exams conducted by PAs, and in my experience they are consistently more engaged and more thorough.

I recently moved to a new community and have had to find all new providers. Based on a co-worker's recommendation I've scheduled an appointment in a couple of weeks with a random PA at a practice that she recommended. In scheduling the appointment I asked what to expect and how much time to allot, since I was not familiar with the practice. I was told that the first visit would be comprehensive and to allot a full 50 minutes. I guess we'll see. I'll come back and post how it goes.

I've also seen MDs, NPs, and PAs in the past for routine visits as well as full physical exams. I guess I've been lucky because the NPs or PAs I've seen have all done very thorough physicals -- checking absolutely everything. And you're absolutely right that it's easier to get an appointment with them, and they tend to take more time and don't seem as rushed. That being said, right now I'm seeing a female MD. But if I had the opportunity to see a PA/NP in the future, I would.