In the past, when we needed medical care, we typically called “the doctor”—a one-size-fits-all term for someone who could allegedly treat all that ails you.
Well, even in the past, one size never “fit all.” For example, over the past three decades, the expansion of medical specialties and technology is best described as an acceleration toward hyper-specialization and digital integration, driven by exponential growth in medical knowledge and technological innovation. This shift has profoundly reshaped diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, moving medicine toward a more personalized, precise, and data-driven practice.
Take Physicians Regional, for example. We are home to three Naples hospitals and more than 800 physicians, recognized within their fields, offering advanced medical care in more than 45 specialties and subspecialties. We offer programs in 24-hour emergency care, cardiology, vascular disease, digestive diseases, orthopedic care, spine care, neurosurgery, and women’s services.
The traditional doctor-and-nurse model of care has greatly expanded—a tremendous benefit to you, the patient. For those living on Marco Island and in East Naples, our Collier Boulevard Hospital and Marco and East Naples Clinics are staffed by exceptional practitioners and offer a variety of services.
Today, let’s focus on understanding the types of medical professionals available to help CARE for you, specifically at the Primary Care level.
A new member of our team, Elliana Walster, PA-C, is a certified physician assistant and provides primary care for patients ranging in age from adolescent to geriatric.
As is often the case, her career choice is very personal. “I have faced health challenges myself and seen loved ones struggle with poor health decisions and addiction,” Walster said. “Those experiences fueled my passion for healthcare and motivated me to be someone who can provide support, guidance, and compassionate care for others navigating similar struggles.”
A PA-C is a physician assistant, a healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats illnesses, writes prescriptions, and provides preventive care under the supervision of a physician.
“Patients are often surprised to learn the full scope of what a physician assistant can do and how this role helps fill gaps in access to care,” Walster observed.
A physician assistant completes a rigorous training program before passing a certifying exam. Their duties are similar to those of a physician, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, and developing treatment plans.
Working at our Collier Boulevard and Marco Island facilities, Walster provides routine preventive care, including annual physicals, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of acute illnesses, the management of chronic diseases, and patient education.
Walster holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale and a Certification from The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.
Also rotating between our Collier Boulevard and Marco facilities, Yunmin Chen is a certified nurse practitioner specializing in adolescent, adult, and geriatric care. Another new addition, he provides preventive care, manages chronic conditions, provides patient education, and treats a variety of illnesses, including hypertension and diabetes.
Chen received his Doctor of Nurse Practice (DNP) from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, and his Certification from the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
The main difference between Walster and Chen’s professional roles is that physician assistants follow a medical-based, disease-centered model and typically work under physician supervision. In contrast, nurse practitioners follow a nursing-based, patient-centered model and can practice independently in many states.
It’s also helpful to understand your visit in terms of physicals vs. medical concerns.
A “physical” (or wellness) exam, typically covered by insurance as preventive care, focuses on prevention and overall health. It usually includes:
- Review of your medical history and lifestyle
- Physical examination (blood pressure, heart, lungs, etc.)
- Preventative screenings and vaccinations
- General health counseling (diet, exercise, etc.)
A “medical concern” is a situation in which you have new symptoms, ongoing conditions, or medical questions. This type of visit goes beyond a routine physical and is billed as a problem-focused visit (like a regular office visit). This visit may result in your provider needing to:
- Ask detailed questions about your symptoms
- Order tests (labs, imaging, etc.)
- Prescribe or adjust medications
- Create or update a treatment plan
These differences matter for billing because insurance companies treat preventive and problem-focused care as separate services. If both types are addressed at the same appointment, your physical and medical concerns are billed separately and may result in an additional copay, coinsurance, or deductible charge, depending on your insurance.
For many routine visits, PAs, and NPs can offer appointments sooner than physicians, providing more timely care. Walster, Chen, and their similarly skilled colleagues are essential, specialized partners in a collaborative healthcare team. Their presence reassures patients that a high level of expertise is always available.
We are honored to welcome advanced practitioners Elliana Walster and Yunmin Chen to the Physicians Regional team!
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