Part of Your Care Team
Advanced Practice Providers
You may see a nurse practitioner or physician assistant listed among our providers and wonder what that means for your care. This page explains who advanced practice providers are, what they do, and how they fit into a urology practice.
The Basics
What Is an Advanced Practice Provider?
An advanced practice provider, or APP, is a licensed clinician with graduate-level medical training who evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients. The term covers two professions.
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed a master's or doctoral degree in advanced practice nursing, passed a national board certification exam, and been licensed by the state to practice. Many bring years of hands-on nursing experience before they ever see patients as a nurse practitioner.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants complete a master's-level program modeled on medical school training, pass a national certification exam, and are licensed by the state. Their education follows the medical model of diagnosis and treatment.
What They Do
How APPs Care for Patients
An advanced practice provider sees their own patients. Depending on the condition, that can include:
When a patient's condition calls for surgery or specialized procedures, our urologists are part of the same practice — so moving from medical management to surgical care doesn't mean starting over somewhere new.
Why It Matters to You
Why You Might See an APP
Focused time. APP visits often allow room for the conversation — reviewing results, talking through medication options, and answering the questions that tend to come up an hour after you've left the office.
Continuity for ongoing conditions. Many urologic conditions are managed over months or years rather than treated once. An APP can follow your care consistently over that time.
The same practice, the same standards. You're seen within Texas Regional Urology, with our physicians in the same practice when specialized care is needed.
Continuity for ongoing conditions. Many urologic conditions are managed over months or years rather than treated once. An APP can follow your care consistently over that time.
The same practice, the same standards. You're seen within Texas Regional Urology, with our physicians in the same practice when specialized care is needed.
Meet Our APPs
Our Advanced Practice Providers
Sydni Gibbs, FNP-BC
Nurse Practitioner
Sydni came to urology after watching her father-in-law's urologist guide him through prostate cancer, and she brings that same thoroughness to every patient she sees.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
No — a different profession and path.
Nurse practitioners are advanced practice nurses with graduate training, national board certification, and state licensure. They diagnose and treat patients within their scope of practice, while physicians complete medical school and residency.
Yes — just ask when you call.
You can request an appointment with any of our advanced practice providers when you schedule. Our staff will help match you with the right provider for your concern.
Yes.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in Texas can prescribe medication as part of treating their patients. Your APP can start, adjust, and monitor prescriptions for your condition.
Our urologists are in the same practice.
If your condition requires surgery or a specialized procedure, you'll be seen by one of our urologists without having to find a new practice. Your records and history come with you.
Usually — verify your specific plan.
Most insurance plans cover visits with nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Call our office and our staff can confirm your coverage before your appointment.
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