The Real Role of Nurse Practitioners: A Physician’s Perspective on Team-Based Care

By: Dr. Trevor Huber

In recent years, one of the biggest shifts in healthcare — especially here in Texas — has been the growing independence of nurse practitioners (NPs). Just two decades ago, the idea of nurse practitioners practicing medicine independently was nearly unheard of. Today, it's not only common — it's becoming a cornerstone of how patients receive care across the country.

As a primary care physician, I’ve had the opportunity to supervise and collaborate with nurse practitioners throughout my entire medical career. And from that experience, I can confidently say: Nurse practitioners are an incredibly valuable part of the care team.

But like any topic in medicine, it’s not black and white. So let’s talk honestly about what their role looks like when it’s done right.

Nurse Practitioners Are Essential, But Not Solo

At our practice, nurse practitioners are trusted members of our clinical team. But they are not practicing on an island — and neither am I. As physicians, we rely on specialists and fellow providers every day. No one person delivers great care alone. We thrive — and our patients thrive — when we work together.

The best nurse practitioners I’ve worked with are those who understand their own capabilities and their limitations. They don’t hesitate to involve a supervising physician when the situation calls for it — not out of weakness, but out of strength and professionalism. That kind of collaboration is what ensures our patients receive the best care possible.

Knowing When to Ask for Help Is a Strength

Every provider has a threshold — a moment when the situation calls for another set of eyes or a different scope of expertise. Whether it’s a diabetic patient needing a more nuanced medication plan or a case of chest pain that raises alarms, the best NPs don’t guess — they ask.

And when they do, I’m there. I’m involved. I’m reviewing charts, consulting on decisions, and in many cases, seeing patients myself. This is not a hands-off relationship — it’s a hands-on partnership.

Let me be clear: that’s not just a preference. That’s the model that produces safe, effective, patient-centered care.

Real-World Collaboration Saves Lives

Here’s a real example: if a patient walks into my clinic with chest pain and their EKG looks suspicious, I don’t sit on it. I text a cardiologist I trust. I make the call. I get the ball rolling — because seconds matter. That same urgency and trust needs to exist between nurse practitioners and their supervising physicians.

We deal with life-and-death decisions in healthcare. And those decisions are best made in the context of a team that knows how to communicate, how to escalate appropriately, and how to stay humble enough to say: "This one’s bigger than me."

Team-Based Care Is Patient-Centered Care

At the end of the day, our No. 1 responsibility is providing excellent care to the patients we serve. And the best way to do that? By working together — consistently, respectfully, and transparently.

When nurse practitioners and physicians collaborate closely, patients win. They get same-day access. They get a team of minds thinking through their care. They get peace of mind knowing someone always has their back.

That’s the kind of healthcare I believe in. That’s the kind of team I’m proud to be part of.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Honest — and Focused on What Matters

There’s a lot of debate out there about independence versus supervision, scope of practice, and autonomy. Those conversations are worth having — but they should always be rooted in one thing: what’s best for the patient.

Let’s move forward with humility, clarity, and a shared commitment to excellence. Because in the end, we’re all on the same team — and our patients are counting on us to act like it.

Dr. Trevor Huber is a board-certified primary care physician with a passion for team-based care, medical leadership, and advancing the standard of care through collaboration.