Optimizing Advanced Practice Providers in Healthcare

Increasing demands for healthcare point to a projected physician shortage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the previously growing importance of advanced practice providers (APPs) in care delivery and practice performance.

Increasing demands for healthcare point to a projected physician shortage, estimated to reach between 54,100 and 139,000 physicians by 2033. One strategy to address this shortag e is to close gaps in primary care access through increased use of APPs. One estimate points to expanded use of nurse practitioners (NPs) could reduce primary care physician (PCP) shortages by 70%.

Many practices already recognize the substantial boost that APPs can provide to practice performance, with APP utilization growing. MGMA data show that almost 67% of Better Performer practices employ APPs; for physician-owned practices, that rate jumps to almost 87%.

Advanced Practice providers (APPs) are a crucial component for optimizing care delivery and practice performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

This report is the most recent addition to MGMA’s Deep Dive series, and includes:

• Guidelines and regulations for using APPs, including incident-to billing rules
• Expert advice for APP compensation and payment structures
• Specialty-specific insights and practical tips on APP staffing
• Details on state-by-state rules on APP scope of practice.