Going to the doctor's office? Chances are there could be a nurse practitioner who will see you. As the number of family doctors declines, the nurse practitioner is picking up the work load.

Jennifer George is a Family Nurse Practitioner at Genesis Health Group in Bettendorf. She can do many of the same things a doctor does. She writes prescriptions, orders medical tests, and works independently, without  a doctor's supervision.

However, there are times she will consult with other doctors to get a second or third opinion.

As millions of people become eligible for health care, advanced practice nurses might take on even more responsibility. Nurse practitioners say they are highly trained and as skilled as doctors at diagnosing illness during office visits.

Twenty eight states are considering steps to expand what nurse practitioners can do. Some doctors do not believe that nurse practitioners have the qualifications to be independent primary care practitioners.