Nurse managed health centers are being billed as an innovative delivery model for primary and preventive care, especially for low-income and vulnerable populations.

“It’s scary,” said Ilse Herbek.

Blurred vision, fainting, and severe pain.

"It feels like the skin around the brain gets really, really tight," Herbek said.

For Herbek, the only thing worse than the pain, was the uncertainty.

"It's scary having something like this that not a lot of people are aware of," said Herbek

With the help of her doctor and nurse practitioner, Herbek was diagnosed with a Chiari 1 malformation, or swelling of the brain at the base of the skull.

Herbek’s nurse practitioner guided her through the surgery and the recovery.

Susan Smith is one of 13,000 nurse practitioners in New York State.

"We're not doctors. We're not trying to be doctors,” said Smith.
"We know the basics. We know how to diagnose and treat, order tests and interpret tests."

With a nationwide shortage of primary care physicians, the Obama administration hopes an increased number of nurse practitioners could help.

“We are not trying to replace primary care providers, but we fill the void for patients primary care providers may not want to see," Smith said.

With 6,000 new nurse practitioners graduating each year, Smith says there won't be a shortage.

Herbek said having someone take them step by step through the treatment and the recovery made all the difference.

"It not only makes you feel good physically, it makes you feel good emotionally and the care I got here, so far, has been really thorough,” said Herbek.