Filling in the primary care gaps.
More than 50,000 nurse practitioners and physician assistants now provide care in all 50 states. Through advancements in training programs, physician and consumer acceptance, and governmental legislation, managed care organizations benefit from the continued growth of utilization of these "mid-level" providers. The author provides some background on the certification of these professionals and offers reasons for their increasing popularity across the country.
Atwater
R E
RE
HRA Healthcare Services, Atlanta, GA 30305.
D002568:Certification; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D008004:Licensure; D008329:Managed Care Programs; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce