Should you add a PA or an NP to your practice?

Physicians and office managers have long sought solutions to enhancing medical care while controlling costs. One answer is to hire a physician assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP). But which provider is best for the practice? There is no universal staffing solution. It depends on the needs of the patients, the needs of the practice, and the needs of the physician. All three factors should be part of the decision-making equation. This article raises the important questions that should be addressed when deciding whether a PA or an NP is the appropriate provider to add to the staff and offers recommendations on where to go to learn more about both professions to assist a practice in making a decision.