Healthcare employers are actively seeking professionals capable of performing "doctor-like work" who can be trained more rapidly and at a lower cost, a trend highlighted by a recent Wall Street Journal tweet. This shift is driven by persistent workforce shortages and the growing demand for accessible and affordable care, particularly in primary care and underserved regions. The tweet stated, > "Employers are clamoring for workers who can do doctor-like work but who are trained faster and can cost them less."
Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), including Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs), are rapidly filling this demand. Their numbers are projected to grow significantly, with NP supply expected to increase by 66% and PA supply by 37% between 2024 and 2034, according to the AAMC Research and Action Institute. This growth is attributed to their shorter educational tracks compared to physicians, enabling a quicker expansion of the workforce.
Research consistently indicates that APPs deliver comparable quality of care to physicians across various settings. A systematic review found that PAs provide the same or better care outcomes as physicians, often with lower associated costs. For instance, a Health Affairs study revealed that total care costs were 6-7% lower for NP and PA patients compared to physician patients in a cohort of medically complex individuals, largely due to less use of emergency and inpatient services.
The integration of APPs allows physicians to operate "at the top of their license," focusing on complex diagnoses and treatments. This team-based approach enhances efficiency and can address challenges such as physician burnout. Currently, APPs constitute approximately 41% of providers in U.S. physician practices, and organizations with a higher percentage of APPs often demonstrate superior productivity and compensation metrics.
The increasing reliance on PAs and NPs is a strategic response to the evolving healthcare landscape, aiming to improve patient access, manage chronic diseases, and reduce overall healthcare expenditures. Their expanding roles are crucial for sustaining and enhancing healthcare delivery amidst ongoing workforce challenges and the rising complexity of patient needs.
