Kidney disease education: A niche for PAs and NPs.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the number of Stage 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD) education classes taught by physician assistants (PAs) and NPs.


METHODS
Descriptive analysis of data from the CMS Public Use File were calculated for 2010-2011 kidney disease education classes with particular focus on PAs and NPs.


RESULTS
In 2010, 4,580 individual and 1,612 group classes were held; one-third of individual classes and two-thirds of group classes were taught by PAs and NPs. In 2011, with a 32% increase in classes, the percentages of PA and NP instructors stayed the same. PAs and NPs predominantly teach home classes, group classes, and outpatient hospital classes.


CONCLUSIONS
Less than 7% of eligible patients were offered education classes in 2010-2011. An examination of Medicare billing data shows PAs and NPs are underused in patient education, an area in which they are uniquely qualified.
Metropolitan Nephrology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
Kim
K
Zuber
Jane
J
Davis
D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D009398:Nephrology / Q000193:education*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000193:education*; D024382:Professional Role; D014481:United States