As a dbp fellow, I can say that I work closely with CAPs and we consult eachother all the time. Dbp sees more infant to toddler age ranges and we do a physical exam. We are trained more extensively in both ordering and analyzing genetic testing and metabolic workups than CAP. Since we see children so young, we are like detectives looking for syndromes that present at a young age. We diagnose a lot of nf-1, TS, FAS, Rett syndrome, anxiety, depression, adhd, cognitive disability, etc. We lead the downs, nicu follow-up, myelo/spinabifida, fragile x, and autism clinics.
We also attend cbt training, ados testing, behavioral family management training, and a multitude of neuropsych training. In my program we are trained how to manage antipsychotics, ssris, stimulants, alpha agonists, and mood stabilizers/neuroleptics. We refer to psych if they need inpatient admission of we feel uncomfortable with complex medical management.
It's a very young and interesting field. Advantages are that we do not admit patients. Even though our salary is at the lower end of the pediatric specialties, our demand is very high so we can virtually go anywhere and there is no inpatient responsibility. We charge consultation fees and insurance has been more accepting of our billing codes. If you like detective work, neurology without the seizure management, and psychiatry without the inpatient admissions this might be the specialty for you!