Advanced Practice Providers in Burn Care, 2013-2022.

Area of Science:

• Burn Care and Treatment
• Healthcare Workforce Analysis
• Advanced Practice Providers

Background:

• Burn care is a specialized field with a growing need for services.
• Physician workforce, particularly surgeons, faces predicted shortages.
• Advanced practice providers (APPs), including nurse practitioners and physician assistants, play an increasing role in various medical specialties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of APPs providing burn care in the United States.
• To analyze trends in APP utilization for burn-related services from 2013 to 2022.
• To project future trends in APP involvement in burn care.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, large cohort study using national Medicare claims data (2013-2022).
• Analysis of debridement, wound care, and office-based services billed by healthcare professionals.
• Identification of providers based on reported type and billing codes, including surgeons, other physicians, and APPs.

Main Results:

• From 2013-2022, APPs constituted 30% of burn care providers.
• The number of APPs billing for burn care increased by 250.4% (from 714 to 2502).
• APPs were more likely to be female and practice in micropolitan areas compared to physicians.

Conclusions:

• APP utilization in burn care has significantly increased and is projected to continue growing.
• A projected 56.7% increase in APPs providing burn care by 2030 is anticipated.
• Further discussion on the scope of practice and integration of APPs in burn care is warranted due to workforce trends.