Trends in advanced practice providers in plastic and reconstructive surgery, 2013-2021

Area of Science:

• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Healthcare Workforce Analysis
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The landscape of healthcare delivery is evolving with shifts in provider roles.
• Advanced practice providers (APPs) play an expanding part in various surgical specialties.
• Understanding APP utilization in plastic and reconstructive surgery is crucial for workforce planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze trends in the utilization of advanced practice providers (APPs) within plastic and reconstructive surgery.
• To identify the extent to which APPs are billing for services in this surgical field.
• To project future trends and inform integration strategies for APPs in academic settings.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study design.
• Analysis of Medicare payment data.
• Examination of billing trends for advanced practice providers in plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Main Results:

• A significant increase observed in the number of advanced practice providers billing for plastic and reconstructive surgery services.
• Medicare data indicates a growing trend of APP engagement in this specialty.
• The upward trajectory in APP utilization is expected to persist.

Conclusions:

• Advanced practice providers are becoming more prevalent in plastic and reconstructive surgery care.
• The continued growth of APPs in this field requires proactive integration into academic medical centers.
• Further research is essential to optimize the roles and integration of APPs in plastic surgery.