a plain-English explainer
What is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse with further study and an endorsement that extends their practice. Brett Jones is a Nurse Practitioner. That is the title to use.
What the role includes
In Australia, Nurse Practitioners are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia through Ahpra. Within their scope of practice they can assess a patient, order investigations, make a diagnosis, prescribe medicines, and refer to other services.
Scope of practice is individual. It depends on education, endorsement and experience. It is not a blank cheque, and it is not identical for every Nurse Practitioner. Brett will tell you if something sits outside what he should manage by telehealth.
What the title is not
Nurse Practitioner is a protected title. It is not the same title as a medical practitioner, and it should not be swapped for one. Brett does not use a title he does not hold. If a page, an email or a booking screen ever gets that wrong, tell the practice and it will be corrected.
A GP remains the right person for many problems: examinations, care of several conditions at once, and anything that needs to be seen in the room. Cortex works with your GP. It does not ask you to drop them. You do not need a GP referral to book, and with your consent Brett can write to your GP about the plan.
Where to check the public register
You can confirm a Nurse Practitioner's registration on the Ahpra public register. Brett's registration number is NMW0000956388, and it is also on the about page.
What that means for an appointment
At a Cortex consult you are seeing one Nurse Practitioner, by video, for midlife metabolic and menopause health, and for the smaller set of problems described on this site. If you need a different service, he will say so and help you find the right door, including a referral when that is clinically appropriate.
Ready when you are.
Book an initial consult if you want a proper assessment and you are willing to do the follow-up. If you are unsure, read whether Cortex is the right fit first.