Providing patient-centered primary care in Somerset, MA
Bedside manner matters.
Cathy Polk is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner (N.P.) whose primary care practice located in Somerset, MA serves patients in southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island. In a world where patients are often reduced to just numbers in a doctor’s over-scheduled practice, Cathy believes in providing personalized, quality care to patients in an environment where they are treated with dignity and respect. Cathy provides additional access to both local and Boston area specialty care. Referral institutions include Massachusetts General Hospital, Mass Eye and Ear, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Medical Care. With over 40 years of experience in the medical field, Cathy provides her patients not just with her exceptional clinical expertise, but also with compassion in a friendly and caring environment.
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
N.P.’s are nurses with advanced degrees (either a Master’s or a Doctoral degree) in nursing whose clinical expertise includes diagnosing and treating health conditions with an emphasis on disease prevention and health management. They are able to order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests (including lab work and x-rays); diagnose and treat acute and chronic conditions; prescribe medications and other treatments; manage patients’ overall care; and educate patients on disease prevention. Many Americans choose to see N.P.’s as their primary healthcare providers. N.P.’s are required to be board-certified in the state where they practice and must renew their credentials every five years.
What is Cathy’s Background?
Cathy has been practicing medicine as a nurse and nurse practitioner for over forty years. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Boston University, as well as two Master’s Degrees in nursing. As an independent nurse practitioner, she offers patient-centered care in her private practice. Her approach includes disease prevention and health education and counseling that centers around the patient's lifestyle. Cathy welcomes people from all walks of life to work with her and runs an LGBTQIA+ friendly practice.
What services does Cathy provide?
As a primary care provider, Cathy is able to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions ranging from diabetes and high blood pressure to arthritis and thyroid diseases. She is able to write prescriptions, provide referrals for patients who need more specialized care, and also offers health counseling using non-pharmacological treatments (such as supplements, nutritional interventions, and exercise) when appropriate.