Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Point-of-Care Kidney and Genitourinary Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: June 21, 2024
Kidney disease education: A niche for PAs and NPs
1Metropolitan Nephrology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
Objective:
This study evaluated the number of Stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) education classes taught by physician assistants (PAs) and NPs.
Methods:
Descriptive analysis of data from the CMS Public Use File were calculated for 2010-2011 kidney disease education classes with particular focus on PAs and NPs.
Results:
In 2010, 4,580 individual and 1,612 group classes were held; one-third of individual classes and two-thirds of group classes were taught by PAs and NPs. In 2011, with a 32% increase in classes, the percentages of PA and NP instructors stayed the same. PAs and NPs predominantly teach home classes, group classes, and outpatient hospital classes.
Conclusions:
Less than 7% of eligible patients were offered education classes in 2010-2011. An examination of Medicare billing data shows PAs and NPs are underused in patient education, an area in which they are uniquely qualified.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease IV: Nursing Management
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Peritoneal Dialysis III: Nursing Management
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
