Clinical use of a physician extender can yield positive results

A previous column discussed the role of the assistant at surgery in providing a safe and efficient practice. In this month’s column, the focus shifts to a clinical practice. The emphasis remains on improving patient outcomes while increasing efficiency to enhance profitability.

To achieve these goals, a careful analysis of system processes, workflow patterns and productivity must be assessed. There are certain responsibilities and tasks that the physician must perform, while other aspects may be delegated. Hiring trusted, qualified individuals who fit well within the culture of a specific practice is often a difficult task.

Traditionally, advance practice nurse practitioners and physician assistants have been hired by physicians or practices to help manage patient care responsibilities. These practitioners work in a semi-autonomous manner and typically have their own schedule of patients instead of working directly with the supervising physician. Based on the payer mix, patient volume seen by the mid-level practitioner, and type of encounter, there are some advantages to the supervising physician and practice about reimbursement and delegation. However, there are some commonly overlooked potential disadvantages that include decreased patient satisfaction from seeing someone other than the surgeon and potential surgeon liability that stems from supervising a mid-level practitioner.

To read the full Orthopedics Physician Extender Update, with Jason Mazza, MSc, OA-C, CSA, SA-C, OTC, CCRC, click here.