Impact Of Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, And Physician Assistants On Utilization And Costs For Complex Patients

• DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2019.00014
• Publication Date: 2019-06-03T19:57:56Z
• Authors: Perri A. Morgan; Valerie A. Smith; Theodore S. Z. Be...; David Edelman; Courtney H. Van H...; Sandra L. Woolson; Cristina C. Hendrix; Christine M. Everett; Brandolyn S. White; George L. Jackson
• Keywords: Physician assistants; Veterans Affairs; Acute care; Primary care physician

Because of workforce needs and demographic chronic disease trends, nurse practitioners (NPs) physician assistants (PAs) are taking a larger role in the primary care medically complex patients with conditions. Research shows good quality outcomes, but concerns persist that NPs’ PAs’ vulnerable populations could increase costs compared to traditional physician-dominated system. We used 2012–13 Veterans Affairs data on cohort diabetes compare health services use depending whether provider was physician, NP, or PA. Case-mix-adjusted total were 6–7 percent lower for NP PA than patients, driven by more emergency inpatient latter. found NPs PAs as providers associated less acute costs.