We have Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. We have Radiologist Assistants, whom all extend the physician, and provide cost effective services to patients. I believe 29 states currently recognize Radiologist Assistants. To my knowledge, I don't believe RA's can actually read images though as apart of their practice
Now we even have Respiratory Therapists who will be pushing hard not only to make their time and services billable by medicare, but to also eventually create a mid level in their field as well. I assume it will be to extend the pulmonologist and do things such as make their own vent changes, and order meds.
Minnesota currently is the only state I believe that has the Advanced Practice Dental Hygenist, but more states could follow in coming years.
Radiation Therapists could also try to get in on the fun: http://www.asrt.org/docs/default-source/whitepapers/acad07whtpprrttadvpractice.pdf?sfvrsn=2
With a looming physician shortage at hand in the coming years, it seems like we are going to turn more and more to "mid-level" providers to fill the voids. Im not convinced though that the current needs cannot be filled by NP's and PA's and that basically every specialty needs to have a specialty. This degree creep is getting a little out of hand now.
Now we even have Respiratory Therapists who will be pushing hard not only to make their time and services billable by medicare, but to also eventually create a mid level in their field as well. I assume it will be to extend the pulmonologist and do things such as make their own vent changes, and order meds.
Minnesota currently is the only state I believe that has the Advanced Practice Dental Hygenist, but more states could follow in coming years.
Radiation Therapists could also try to get in on the fun: http://www.asrt.org/docs/default-source/whitepapers/acad07whtpprrttadvpractice.pdf?sfvrsn=2
With a looming physician shortage at hand in the coming years, it seems like we are going to turn more and more to "mid-level" providers to fill the voids. Im not convinced though that the current needs cannot be filled by NP's and PA's and that basically every specialty needs to have a specialty. This degree creep is getting a little out of hand now.