Quality Care With Advanced Practice Providers

More people than ever need medical care. As the U.S. population grows older and health needs become more complex, there simply aren't enough doctors to see every patient when they need one. That's where advanced practice providers (APPs) come in. APPs are highly trained medical professionals who work alongside doctors to help ensure patients continue to receive the care they need.

Key Takeaways: Seeing An APP Instead Of A Doctor

• APPs are highly trained healthcare providers with advanced degrees. They can diagnose conditions, create treatment plans and prescribe most medications, just like a doctor.
• Seeing an APP doesn't mean lower-quality care. APPs work closely with physicians and are a trusted part of your care team at Franciscan Health. Studies show patient satisfaction stays high when APPs are involved.
• APPs help more people access medical care when they need it. They play a key role in areas where doctors are in short supply, making it easier for patients to get timely appointments and treatment.

Why APPs Matter

The shortage of available doctors is a real and growing concern. Research shows the United States could face a shortage of more than 100,000 physicians by 2038. Because of this, APPs are becoming more important in nearly every area of medicine.

APPs, such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse midwives, play a key role in solving some of healthcare's biggest challenges:

• Access to healthcare: APPs help patients get preventive, primary and urgent care, especially in communities with fewer doctors and health centers.
• Helping with doctor shortages: Many doctors are nearing retirement. APPs help fill those gaps so access to medical care doesn't fall short.
• Working as part of a care team: APPs collaborate with doctors and other health professionals to deliver medical care focused on the whole patient.
• Improving efficiency: Studies show that using APPs helps more patients get seen without lowering the quality of care or patient satisfaction.

What Is An Advanced Practice Provider?

Advanced practice providers are licensed and certified providers who can examine patients, diagnose illnesses, create treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform medical procedures. In Indiana, APPs are required to work with a supervising physician who reviews their charts and prescriptions.

Types of APPs you might see

The term "advanced practice provider" covers several types of medical professionals:

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) — includes four specialties:

• Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
• Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Anesthesiology Assistant (AA)
• Physician Assistant (PA)

Becoming an advanced practice provider

Becoming an APP requires years of education and training. Here's what the path looks like:

• Earn a master's or doctoral degree from an approved program
• Pass a national certification exam
• Complete ongoing education to stay current in their field
• Maintain an active state license

What Can an APP Do For You?

Advanced practice providers, like nurse practitioners, physician assistants and certified nurse midwives, are trained to handle a wide range of medical tasks. These include:

• Ordering X-rays and lab work
• Conducting physical exams
• Taking patient histories
• Assisting during surgeries
• Making referrals to specialists
• Prescribing medication

When APPs and doctors work together, patients get well-rounded care. This teamwork helps Franciscan Health providers use their full range of skills and helps more patients get the care they need.

“We continue to deploy advanced practice providers in nearly every specialty across our ministry to meet our patient’s ongoing needs," said Toby Brower, DMS, PA-C, DFAAPA, APP Ministry Lead – Franciscan Physician Network, Central Indiana.