In the next decade, the United States will face a growing shortage of primary care physicians with several studies projecting a shortfall of 40,000 to 50,000 doctors by 2025. Many medical groups and primary care clinics are already looking at strategies to make the best possible use of these scarce human resources.
One growing solution is to build a primary care team that includes physician assistants (PAs), registered nurses and other professionals who can extend the “reach” of a primary care physician. This team approach means that most of the patient’s encounter with the healthcare provider will be handled by these extenders, while the physician focuses on the most important diagnostic and treatment considerations.
With a well-trained and coordinated staff using an electronic medical record (EMR) system, this team approach can be highly effective in providing quality care. Depending on the nature of the patient’s visit, a PA can obtain the medical history and conduct the time-consuming physical examination, and consult with the physician on a treatment plan. A nurse, nutritionist or other professional can spend more time educating a patient about a chronic condition and advising on the steps necessary to maintain good health.
One of the other benefits of a team approach is that it broadens the traditional doctor-patient relationship, and engages patients in their own care to a greater extent than before. Ideally, the patient becomes part of the medical team and takes more responsibility for his or her own health, rather than simply relying on “my doctor.”
From a staffing standpoint, it seems clear that physicians who choose to focus on primary care will have more negotiating power than in the past, in terms of salary, benefits and scheduling. The economic law of supply and demand applies to the nation’s workforce, as well as the consumer economy.
Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and other professionals working in a primary care setting are also likely to find greater demand for their services. If you are considering a career in primary care – or already have experience in the field – All Medical Personnel can open the door to a satisfying and rewarding position.
