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Managed care organizations' arrangements with nurse practitioners
D J Mason1, S S Cohen, J P O'Donnell
1Lienhard School of Nursing, Pace University, Pleasantville, NY, USA.
Nursing Economic$
|January 7, 1998
Summary
Managed care organizations (MCOs) are satisfied with nurse practitioners (NPs) as primary care providers, especially in women's health and geriatrics. However, confusion persists regarding NP scope of practice, with 85% of MCOs favoring increased NP utilization.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Policy
- Nursing Practice
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) play a crucial role in healthcare delivery and provider utilization.
- Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are increasingly recognized for their potential to address primary care needs.
- Understanding the integration and perception of NPs within MCOs is essential for optimizing healthcare workforce strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles, participation, and satisfaction with nurse practitioners (NPs) as primary care providers within MCOs in New York and Connecticut.
- To identify factors influencing the perceived scope of NP practice and explore MCO executives' opinions on NP utilization.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 67 MCOs in New York and Connecticut, with 34 responding.
- Data collection focused on the roles, participation, and listing of NPs as primary care providers or in other capacities.
- Qualitative insights were gathered from MCO executives regarding satisfaction and perceived scope of NP practice.
Main Results:
- MCO executives reported high satisfaction with NPs as primary care providers, particularly in women's health and geriatrics.
- NPs were noted to spend more time teaching and explaining procedures compared to physicians.
- A significant lack of up-to-date information and confusion regarding the scope of NP practice persists among healthcare professionals and the public.
- Perceived differences in NP scope of care were linked to state regulations, physician practice patterns, and primary care physician availability.
Conclusions:
- MCOs express strong satisfaction with NPs in primary care roles, highlighting their value in patient education and care.
- Addressing the ongoing confusion and lack of information surrounding the scope of NP practice is critical for effective integration.
- A substantial majority (85%) of MCO executives believe their organizations should actively encourage the use of NPs, indicating a favorable outlook for NP expansion in primary care settings.