Deploying Advanced Practice Practitioners in Response to the Healthcare Workforce Crisis in the Ambulatory Setting

The clinical staffing shortages that the US healthcare sector is experiencing are sure to become even more profound as the general population continues to grow and age. With more people living well beyond age 65, more physicians will be needed to provide care.A solution to help fill the gaps in physician coverage is centered on the use of advanced practice practitioners, especially in the ambulatory setting. The growing shortage of primary care physicians could be significantly reduced or eliminated if the appropriate contributions of advanced practice practitioners-including physician assistants/physician associates (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs)-are considered when calculating financial costs.My organization uses a model in the ambulatory setting that emphasizes the use of PAs and NPs who are supported by physician oversight in their clinical practice. Throughout the critical challenges of the recent past, the model has served us well. Other organizations may also see important benefits with this strategy.