As seen on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, Dr. Scharmaine Lawson-Baker is a a nationally recognized and award-winning Nurse Practitioner in New Orleans, Louisiana. She is the recent winner of the 2008 ADVANCE for Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneur of the Year award.
We at Advanced Clinical Consultants provide housecalls throughout the New Orleans area and the surrounding parishes. Dr. Scharmaine Lawson-Baker, DNP, FNP-BC is board-certified by the ANCC and specializes in Family Practice; however, Dr. Lawson-Baker has a large geriatric population that she currently serves in the comfort of their homes or FEMA trailers. Yes, we go to FEMA trailers, laundromats, penthouses, roof-tops, projects, group-homes, assisted living facilities…anywhere. Anywhere a housecall is needed, we will go. The collaborating physician, Dr. Bertrand Tillery, M.D. is also available to make a housecall, should the need arise.
Advanced Clinical Consultants have been in business since March 2005. Our mission is to provide a housecall to every senior or disabled person in the City of New Orleans who is not able to visit their regular primary care physician (PCP).
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse (RN) who has completed advanced education (a minimum of a master’s degree) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses. Nurse practitioners provide a broad range of health care services. They provide some of the same care provided by physicians and maintain close working relationships with physicians. An NP can serve as a patient’s regular primary care provider (PCP).
Nurse practitioners see patients of all ages. The core philosophy of the field is individualized care. Nurse practitioners focus on patients’ conditions as well as the effects of illness on the lives of the patients and their families. NPs make prevention, wellness, and patient education priorities. This can mean fewer prescriptions and less expensive treatments. If prescriptions are needed, NPs in most states are able to prescribe most medications as well as narcotics. Informing patients about their health care and encouraging them to participate in decisions are central to the care provided by NPs. In addition to health care services, NPs conduct research and are often active in patient advocacy activities. (www.womenshealthchannel.com)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still keep your doctor?
Yes, we will only make a housecall when the patient is unable to get to their regular PCP or to a clinic that day. After the housecall is made, we will fax or mail the H&P to the regular PCP with an explanation of our findings. The patient remains in control. Call us when you need us. If more visits are needed, we can set up a regular home visitation schedule.
Can a NP be a PCP?
Yes, Dr. Lawson-Baker is a Medicare and Medicaid provider. In many cases, the New Orleans doctor’s have retired or moved out of the area and the client is looking for a regular PCP. We at Advanced Clinical Consultants are glad to fill that role as your regular PCP.
