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MD, DO, DPM, PA-C, APNP...when you see these letters listed after a practitioner’s name, do you know what they mean?

If you’re like most people, these letters are nothing more than alphabet soup.  You might know what an MD is, but you’re among the minority if you can state what each set of the above initials stands for.

MD: Doctor of Medicine

This is a suffix that many are familiar with.  When students receive a bachelor’s degree and then attend medical school and complete three years of residency/internships, they graduate and earn this title.

DO: Doctor of Osteopathy

This is a medical doctor with some additional training in the relationship between muscles and bones.

DPM: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine

This is a podiatrist, a doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of the feet.

PA-C: Certified Physician Assistant

A PA is not a doctor, but works side-by-side with physicians to diagnose and treat patients.  All Mile Bluff’s PAs are certified by the state.  They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive healthcare, assist in surgery, and write prescriptions.  They do not, however, deliver babies.

APNP: Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber

An APNP is most commonly referred to as a nurse practitioner.  These providers are registered nurses with special training in primary healthcare.  Just as PAs, they can competently perform many of the physician’s traditional tasks, but they too do not deliver babies.

Specialty surgeons

Some of the Mile Bluff medical staff members are specialized in certain areas of medicine, and see patients for only specific conditions.  Doctors Speichinger, Haack and Hilsinger see patients for gynecological issues. Being able to see their patients at Mile Bluff allows them to conduct a consult, perform any necessary diagnostic testing, and if required, perform surgeries right in Mauston.  Doctor Hilsinger also meets with patients at the Delton Family Medical Center.  

Another Mile Bluff staff specialist is Dr. Riedle, orthopedic surgeon.  He sees patients for evaluation and treatment of conditions that affect the bones, joints ligaments, tendons and muscles.  Conditions can range from things such as arthritis, tendonitis, fractures, sprains and muscle tears.  Doctor Riedle sees patients at Mile Bluff Clinic in Mauston and at the Delton Family Medical Center.  There are three general surgeons on staff in addition to Dr. Riedle, doctors Malinowski, Napier and Marculis, all of whom see patients at Mile Bluff in Mauston.

In addition to these specialists, there are also two staff podiatrists (foot doctors), doctors Eckerman and Langen.  Doctor Eckerman sees patients at Mile Bluff Clinic in Mauston, the Delton Family Medical Center and the Elroy Family Medical Center.  Doctor Langen provides his services at Mile Bluff Clinic in Mauston, as well as the outreach facility in Necedah.  Mile Bluff Medical Center also has two doctors who only see patients in the emergency room, Charles Coffey and Brian Van Hoozen.

Sub-specialties

Three of Mile Bluff’s family practice physicians also hold sub-specialties.  Doctor Heaney is certified in geriatric care as well as internal medicine.  Doctors David and Ann Hoffmann are also certified in geriatric medicine.  In addition to that, Dr. David Hoffmann explains, “I am also the only doctor in the county who is certified by Federal Aviation Administration to perform physicals on pilots in order to get their pilot’s license.”

With all of these providers and specialties, it is easy to see that the group of providers at Mile Bluff has something to offer everyone.  Most are currently accepting new patients. 

Mile Bluff Medical Center/ 1050 Division St./ Mauston, WI 53948 / 608 847 6161

Mile Bluff Medical Center, 1050 Division Street, Mauston, WI 53948

608 847 6161 or Toll free in WI at 800 252 4377

© 2008 Mile Bluff Medical Center