Which one of these is considered a physician extender?

A clinical nurse specialist is considered a physician extender because they are advanced practice registered nurses who hold a master's or doctoral degree in nursing. Their role includes providing direct patient care, diagnosing and managing illness, and offering expertise in specific areas of healthcare. The concept of a physician extender is rooted in the idea of expanding the capacity of healthcare delivery. These professionals work collaboratively with physicians to deliver care that is often comparable to that provided by doctors, thereby increasing the efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services.

The other options do not fit into the category of physician extenders. A family practice physician is a licensed medical doctor who provides primary care, and while they might work with extenders, they are not considered one themselves. An emergency medical technician provides emergency care but operates primarily in pre-hospital settings and does not extend physician roles in the same capacity. A health insurance agent deals with the business side of healthcare by selling insurance products and does not provide clinical care. Therefore, the role of a clinical nurse specialist aligns with the definition of a physician extender, enhancing patient care while working under the umbrella of physician supervision.