Exploring the use of NPs and PAs in primary care

Although nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) can meet a majority of primary care needs, the implications for ambulatory health centers are not straightforward. One HMO health center undertook to determine its providers' and patients' views on the role of NPs and PAs in its Internal Medicine Department. The analysis suggests that 28% of visits required the attention of a physician, though physicians actually provided 66% of visits. We conclude that it may be possible to increase the use of NPs and PAs if we can educate members, particularly younger women, about the role of NPs and PAs so as to encourage their preferentially selecting these practitioners for their routine care.