The Importance of Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants

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The demand for physician services is high and the cost of utilizing physicians can also be expensive. For many, it has become imperative to look for alternatives. Two great alternatives are Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs). There are many misconceptions concerning NPs and PAs, but hopefully, this article will eliminate some of them.

Qualifications

Although there are many people who believe that NPs and PAs are not qualified to give the same high level of care that a physician can give, but that is simply not true. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants endure years of schooling and training. This allows them to diagnose and treat patients. For an NP or a PA to do their job, they must work under a doctor’s supervision. For patients, this means they will be seen by a qualified professional faster. The physician is still consulted, and the facility is able to provide qualified medical professionals to take care of their patients.

Reduce Expenses

The salaries associated with physicians can be expensive. It will cost you considerably less to employ an NP or a PA. By employing an NP or PA, your patients will not have to wait as long to be seen. There is improved efficiency when wait times are decreased. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants can help in providing preventative information to the patients. This employment will also increase patient compliance. The physicians on your staff are now fee to see more patients.

Trained Professionals

At your facility, you want to provide the best care possible. NPs and PAs are trained professionals with extensive clinical experience. They have also practiced under different specialties. For your facility, you are getting qualified and credentialed professionals. To give your patients the best care possible is the goal. By using these professionals, you will meet your goal.

Coordination and Education

In order for the use of NPs and PAs to work, coordination will need to be done between the physicians and the NPs and PAs. By them working together and coordinating care for the patients, everyone wins. To help your patients, take the time to educate them on the importance of the NPs and PAs. Make sure they understand that their quality of care is being improved because the physician is not being overburdened and a team is working on their care.

Written By: Medical Staffing 360 Staff