A Team Approach to Providing Primary Care 

At Qliance, we embrace a team approach to providing primary care by bringing together Physicians (MDs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs). By doing so, we capitalize on the strengths and traditions of both professions as we join with you to enhance your health and well-being.

Throughout the medical world, MDs and NPs work in a variety of settings, sometimes together and sometimes independently. Qliance providers work in concert with one another and with you to provide optimal primary care that is carefully tailored to your needs. In addition, our clinic is designed to encourage collaboration between all providers. Patients benefit directly from the expertise of the group, and we frequently consult with our colleagues on the other teams. Both MDs and NPs are proficient in preventive care and the management of complex medical conditions. All hold national board certification in their field, and are dedicated to high-quality care.

For the majority of your visits, you will see your lead provider, but you are also welcome to request another provider. We believe a significant part of quality medical care lies in interpersonal interaction; while patient panels remain open, you are free to change your lead provider.

MDs & NPs: Different Backgrounds, Common Purpose

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) receive two to three years of extensive clinical preparation, and complete a Master’s Degree in addition to their nursing training. NPs undergo National Board Certification in their area of specialty, and are licensed and regulated by the state in which they practice. NPs must maintain both a current RN and NP license. Physicians (MDs) complete 4 years of medical school and at least three years of training in the specialty of their choice. Like their NP colleagues, physicians undergo National Board Certification in their area of specialty, and are also licensed and regulated on a state-by-state basis. In Washington State, NPs are autonomous health care providers.

The NP scope of practice in primary care is similar to their MD colleagues’: they order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests; diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions; prescribe medications; and provide all care in the context of the individual patient’s work and family life, and community. NPs provide comprehensive, personalized health education and counseling. Both physicians and nurse practitioners provide high-quality, comprehensive health care. While most of what they do is similar, there are differences in the training of NPs and MDs that distinguish their approach to patient care. Physicians are trained intensively in the medical model, focused in large part on differential diagnosis and management of disease, as well as inpatient care and surgical procedures. Nurse Practitioner training is grounded in the tradition of patient advocacy, education, empowerment and attendance. This tradition is integral to their practice as independent clinicians. Qliance Primary Care aims to bring the best of both disciplines to our patients through our team care approach.