The DO Doctors is a team of board-certified clinicians and doctors specializing in primary, family, osteopathic  and geriatric care. Our clinical team consists of physicians/Doctors, certified nurse practitioners (NP-C), care coordinators, and other healthcare professionals. All members of our team are full-time employees dedicated to providing comprehensive, in-home care to our patients.

What makes the DO Doctors different?

We are the #1 primary care doctors today, committed to developing innovative health models and products that meet the needs of patients everywhere. At the DO Doctors, we approach healthcare differently, not just better. We offer a wide range of services including Family, Internal, Integrative,  Osteopathic Medicines with an All-Inclusive Medical approach through Mobile Care, Tele-Health, and In-Office visits. We specialize in finding answers and providing assistance when other doctors and specialists are unable to do so. Our focus is not solely on practicing medicine but on promoting overall health and well-being. W e find answers & help when other doctors & specialists CAN’T. We DONT JUST Practice Medicine WE DO HEALTH!  So, Choose DO because When They CAN’T, WON’T or DON'T  WE DO!

Why should I choose the DO Doctors?

When other doctors can't, won't, or don't, we DO. At the DO Doctors, we believe that healthcare should be convenient, personalized, and effective. That's why we offer primary care services In-office, in-home, in-person and via tele health. primary care services, working closely with your other doctors, residential facility  and directly with you to prevent unnecessary trips to the emergency room or urgent care facilities. We are dedicated to optimizing your health by providing the care you need when you need it. We maintain open and frequent communication with you, and your appointed contact person. With the DO Doctors, you can trust that you will always have access to high-quality healthcare that is tailored to your unique needs.

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YOU GET Doctors that DO health different providing adequate time for appointments. A doctor that does all one can, when, where & how you need one with a health model that meets your needs other doctors CAN’T, DON'T or WON’T. We DO when other DRs CAN'T & help even if many specialists DON’T by providing you with Traditional, Osteopathic, & Holistic Health Care options so that you have many different treatment choices. ​

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At the DO Doctors, we stand out by offering a unique approach to healthcare. Here's why you should choose us:

• WE ARE: Doctors that DO all we can for all those we can! We are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to each and every patient we serve. Our commitment extends to going above and beyond to meet your healthcare needs.

• WE DO: Providing a doctor when, where & how you need one. We understand that accessibility is crucial in healthcare. We strive to make our doctors available to you when you need them, in the location that suits you best, and through various modes of care delivery.

• WE DO: Creating care models to meet your needs they CAN'T, DON'T, or WON'T. We believe in tailoring our care models to address your unique requirements. We go beyond the standard approaches to ensure that we meet your healthcare needs effectively and comprehensively.

• WE DO: Health different NOT just better: More visit time NOT just 15 minutes. We prioritize your well-being by providing extended visit times, allowing us to spend adequate time with you. Our focus is on delivering personalized care, understanding that each patient deserves individualized attention.

• WE DO: Find answers other DRs CAN'T & help even if many specialists DON'T. Our team is committed to finding answers and solutions to your healthcare concerns, even in complex cases where other doctors may have been unable to provide satisfactory answers or assistance. We are dedicated to your health and well-being.

• WE DO: Traditional, Osteopathic, & Holistic Health Care. We offer a diverse range of healthcare options, combining traditional, osteopathic, and holistic approaches. This ensures that you have access to a wide array of treatment choices, allowing for a well-rounded and comprehensive healthcare experience.

• WE DO: Over 40 years of healthcare experience. With a combined experience of over 40 years in the field of healthcare, our team brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise, and understanding to provide you with the highest quality care.

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When you choose the DO Doctors, you can expect a healthcare experience that is tailored to your needs, with ample visit time, a commitment to finding answers and solutions, and a range of treatment options. We strive to be your trusted partners in achieving and maintaining optimal health.

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Can I Keep My Primary Doctor When Joining the DO Doctors.

YES! We have options that allow you to keep your current DOCTOR if you would like. We understand that you may have been seeing your current provider for a long time. We make it easier by helping you get to know your new provider and our clinical team, visiting you in your home to answer questions, and gathering all of your medical records to start care with us.

Can I Keep My Existing Specialists?

Yes, for the majority, we can work directly with preferred specialists. Due to the complexity of insurance networks, this sometimes isn’t the case for HMO plan members. However, you can provide us the names of your preferred specialists if you’re on an HMO plan and we’ll check whether you can continue to see them. 

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Can You Help me With Specialist Referrals? 

Yes. We can find a specialist that's right for you and coordinate your care. We’ll share medical records in advance of your visit and help you understand new medications or treatment plans that a specialist recommends. Because our practice is dedicated to senior care, we’re also usually familiar with the specialists near you who are best-suited for older adults.

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Can You Refill Prescriptions?

Yes. You can request prescription assessments and refills from your primary care provider. 

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DO You Offer Urgent Care?  

Yes. After you become a patient, we’ll get to know you, your health history, and goals so we get a full picture of your health and life. In the event that something urgent comes up, you can call us to get Rapid Care over the phone immediately and/or schedule a same-/next-day in-person appointment.

How Does Your Arrangement With The Community Work?  

We partner with your community as an independent medical provider. We don’t charge them any fees to offer our services to residents and the community doesn’t pay us anything to provide medical care. We’re completely independent and our goal is to simply bring better, easier-to-access care to seniors so they can lead healthy, happy lives. 

 I Dont Live In a Community. Can I Become a Patient & Be Seen In My Home?  

YES! Unlike other mobile care doctors offices that only provide options to patients in communities where the office can easily profit the DO DOCTORS works diligently to provide health care options to the entire community not just where it is convenient for profitability. 

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DO You Have an Actual Office?  

YES! Unlike many rapid pop up mobile care practice. We have two brick and mortar offices where we see patient in office Monday through Friday and have done so for over 20 years.  

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What is a Nurse Practitioner (NP)?

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are highly educated healthcare professionals who specialize in different fields. They receive a minimum of a master's-level education, with many NPs continuing their education to obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. One such specialization is the Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). FNPs specialize intreating patients of all ages in a variety of settings, including doctors office, hospital, urgent care, and other outpatient settings. Another specialization is an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner who specializes in all the same settings as the FNP but for patients from the adolescent age & older.

What credentials do Nurse Practitioners have?

Nurse Practitioners who have completed their degree are awarded a DNP, which stands for Doctor of Nursing Practice. They may also be referred to as Doctor Nurse Practitioners or DNAP (Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice). Doctor Nurse Practitioners undergo medical training alongside their MD and DO counterparts. Similar to MDs or DOs, Doctor Nurse Practitioners complete a bachelor's degree and four years of post-graduate education, including a residency and sometimes a fellowship. They are trained to diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and diseases using medication, alternative and holistic approaches, and other nursing or medical procedures. NPs have the authority to prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and perform medical procedures. It is important to note that in California and more than half the country, nurse practitioners practice independently, requiring no supervision from another doctor, and they can own and operate their own medical practice. 

What services do Nurse Practitioners provide?

Nurse Practitioners play a crucial role in healthcare by assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing illnesses. They are experts in healthcare and are qualified to order, conduct, supervise, and interpret diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests. NPs can prescribe medication and other therapies comparable to other clinicians/physicians. Numerous studies consistently show that nurse practitioners, when practicing independently, deliver care of or higher equal quality to physician colleagues. The utilization of NPs has resulted in reduced emergency room admissions, shorter hospital stays, and more affordable healthcare. Just like Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs), Doctor Nurse Practitioners are expanding their practice to offer more options for people seeking medical care.

MDs, DOs, DNPs, and PAs, are all healthcare professionals, but they have different educational backgrounds, scopes of practice, and roles within the healthcare system.​

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Medical Doctors (MDs): MDs have completed their doctorate in Medicine along with a residency program, and sometimes a fellowship. They are skilled in diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and diseases using medications, surgery, and other medical procedures. MDs have the authority to prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and perform medical procedures.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO): DOs have completed their doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine, a residency program, and sometimes a fellowship. They are trained in diagnosing and treating illnesses, injuries, and diseases using medications, surgery, and other medical procedures. DO's complete all the training an MD has plus receive additional expertise in musculoskeletal problems. DOs practice Osteopathy, which involves a broader focus on physical healthcare, including manipulation of muscular, skeletal, and visceral structures. Some compare osteopathy to chiropractic care, however Chiropractic primarily focuses on the relationship between the spine and health while Osteopathy emphasizes the interrelationship between structure and function of the whole body.

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNPs): DNPs have completed their health care doctorate in advanced nursing. DNPs are Doctors who have completed their doctorate, either during or after their advanced healthcare practice degree. DNP doctorate training combines advanced health and medical knowledge, providing a wider range of holistic approaches. DNPs are trained to provide comprehensive care, diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and diseases using medications, surgical treatment, and other medical or advanced health procedures. DNPs have the authority to prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and perform medical procedures. Nurse practitioners, with their DNP qualification, excel in treating acute and chronic conditions and managing complex healthcare problems.  The main difference making DNP nurse practitioners stand out in the healthcare industry due to their unique educational background, which sets them apart from other healthcare professionals. One key aspect that distinguishes them is their extensive hands-on healthcare experience, which is an integral part of their training from start to finish.

Physician Assistants (PAs) or (DMSc) : PAs known as physician assistants or associates are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to assist or expand the care provided by doctors.  They obtain a bachelors degree, then complete two years of medical training to obtain their masters degree as a physician assistant. Some PAs complete 1 to 2 more years to obtain a research doctorate called doctorate of medical science DMS. They are trained to diagnose and treat common health problems, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications. PAs work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The main difference in an MD, DNP and a PA/DMSc it that MD and DNPs can practice independently while PAs practice under the supervision of a doctor in all 50 states. 

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"The Doctor of Medical Science degree is a professional doctorate degree designed specifically for the physician assistant... This program focuses on developing leadership skills, evidence-based problem-solving strategies, and the knowledge base needed to pursue leadership positions and drive organizational change in healthcare...

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"The Pacific University Doctor of Medical Science degree program is a four-semester, or 36 credit hour, program for practicing physician assistants. Pacific also offers a one-semester track for physician assistants who graduated in the past two years from Pacific.

The coursework for the 4-semester DMSc and DHSc degrees is the same, but different degrees are awarded because the DMSc degree is associated specifically with physician assistants. The DMSc is only available to licensed physician assistants — all other students will earn the DHSc.  (Pacific University, 2023)."

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https://www.pacificu.edu/doctor-medical-science/what-dmsc

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To answer this question their are two ways to look at the education of healthcare professionals. We can look at the the amount of years of education/schooling or the amount of years of experience directly treating patients in connection with schooling and continuing education. The second answer is much more interesting.  First lets look at a literal breakdown of the years spent in school. Then read the explanation of education. After reading the entire section please check out the chart that has been published to breakdown the training in a more realistic manner. The example used is in primary care.

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MD: Bachelors degree = 4 years = (no mandatory healthcare role or direct patient care training) + Medical school = 4 years = (First two years books only + Residency (3 years of on the job training).​

DO: Same as MD school + additional 400 - 2000 Hours training for holistic hands on physical medical musculoskeletal training 

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DNP: Bachelors degree = 4 years =  (Mandatory healthcare career education with direct patient care experience) + Masters in Science Nurse Practitoner School = ( 2 - 3 years) + Healthcare Doctorate Nurse Practitioner School ( 2- 4 years) Residency  (1 -2  years) completed during graduate years.  

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PA/DMS: Bachelors (4 years) no mandatory healthcare experience other than some volunteer hours + Physician Assisting School (1-2 years) + Doctor of Medical Science (DMS) a research degree = (5 months - 2 years) no Residency. 

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Education Totaled 

MD 8 Years + residency

DO 8 Years + residency 

DNP 8 Years with residency + On job work experiance = and average of 13 years in the United States. 

NP 6 - 7 Years with residency + On job work experiance = and average of 13 years in the United States. 

PA/DMS  6 - 8 Years (2 years in patient care experience)

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ANSWER : TOTAL PATIENT CARE EDUCATION 

MD/DO 5 Years healthcare training involving dirrect treatment of patients 

DNP Minimum of 8 Years healthcare training involving dirrect treatment of patients

NP Minimum of 6 Years healthcare training involving dirrect treatment of patients

PA/DMS  Maximum 1-2 Years healthcare training involving dirrect treatment of patients

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To understand the education and patient care experience of healthcare professionals, we should examine the years of education and the amount of hands-on experience directly treating patients. Below is a breakdown of the years spent in school for each profession:

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However, it is important to note that a direct comparison of patient care experience between DNP nurse practitioners, MDs, and physician assistants (PAs) for primary care or family medicine is challenging due to different education and training pathways. Instead, the better question to ask is who gets more hands-on patient care experience over the entire course of their education in primary care or family medicine specialties.

DNP nurse practitioners often have extensive nursing experience as registered nurses (RNs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) before entering a DNP program. They accumulate hands-on patient care experience throughout their education and work experience. On average, DNP graduates have 13-15 years of work experience treating patients before completing the DNP.

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In comparison, MD/DOs have science-focused bachelor's degrees with no mandatory patient care training. The first two years of medical school primarily involve studying from books, and it is not until the last two years that MD/DOs and PAs receive actual hands-on patient care training. 

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Overall, it's challenging to determine which profession gets more hands-on patient care experience for primary care or family medicine, as each profession has unique requirements for clinical training and practice. MDs typically have more formal clinical training through residency, while DNP nurse practitioners may have more hands-on patient care training and experience at graduation.

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PAs undergo significant clinical rotations during their education. However, newly graduated PAs have less extensive training compared to other healthcare professions and due to this require supervision. However, with years of practice and the supervision from a doctor, PAs gain significant patient care training and experience.

Rest assured that whether your Primary Care Doctor is an MD/DO/DNP or if you frequently see the doctors Physician assistant, each provider has the education, tools, or supervision to provide the highest quality care. If you prefer a more holistic healthcare approach, DOs and DNPs are trained to provide a comprehensive approach that includes both traditional and alternative healthcare methods. Unlike some holistic providers, DNPs and DOs receive training in traditional approaches as well, making them a well-rounded option for your care.

DNP nurse practitioners typically have extensive nursing experience before entering a DNP program, and may accumulate years of hands-on patient care experience as registered nurses (RNs) or advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) during their education and work experience. For example the DNP starts hands on care in there first year of schooling becoming a Registered nurse Licensed Vocational Nurse or a Nurse Aid.  Additionally on average the DNP graduate has 13 - 15 years of work experience treating patients before returning to complete the DNP.  The excessive hands on experience can not be said for MD/DO/ or PA. MD/DOs bachelors is in science courses but not patient care or medical treatment, the first 2 years of medical school is only books. It is not until the last 2 years of school until an MD/DO/PA get actual hands on patient care/treatment training. At graduation the average MD/DO has 8+3 years of education PA has 4 + 2 years and the average DNP nurse practitioner has 8 in formal education + 13-15 years of continuing education and hands on patient care experience.  

You can rest assured regardless if you Primary Care Doctor is an MD/DO/DNP or if you frequently see the PA at the doctors office studies show that with the current healthcare design all these providers have the education, tools or supervision to ensure that you will receive the highest quality care possible. You may prefer one type of provider or another however if you want to get the most well rounded care DOs and DNPs are trained to provide a more holistic healthcare approach. Unlike some holistic providers DNPs and DOs don't only get naturopathic or alternative healthcare education they are also equally trained in traditional approaches making them a great well rounded option for your care. 

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Please see the attached chart to provide a visual tool to better understand the difference in healthcare experience. 

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