Is a midlevel provider right for your urology practice? - Key considerations include state regulations, potential economic advantages, training

Is a midlevel provider right for your urology practice? - Key considerations include state regulations, potential economic advantages, training - ModernMedicine

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It can make sense to add a midlevel provider to a practice, but midlevels aren't for everyone. There's been lots of discussion about the reasons to add a midlevel provider or nonphysician provider (usually a nurse practitioner or physician's assistant) to the typical urology practice. It has proven to be a successful strategy for some urologists in their quest to improve access, enhance quality of care, improve patient satisfaction, increase revenue, and expand the types of services offered. It may even lower practice expenses. Just the same, don't jump in until you are sure it's right for you.

This article will outline the steps you need to take before—and after—you decide to hire a midlevel.

Begin by checking out state regulations and reimbursement rules for midlevel providers. It's important to find out what clinical services a PA or NP can provide and how much supervision is required. For example, states vary in allowing midlevels to write prescriptions or order tests. Some states have stiff oversight regulations that require a physician to be on-site whenever the midlevel is seeing patients. These variances also exist between a PA and NP, which may affect which one you decide to pursue.

Reimbursement issues also must be carefully weighed in determining whether there is a reasonable economic advantage to bring in a midlevel provider. It's not just about filling a gap in your existing services or providing relief for overbooked urologists.

Look at the numbers to determine whether adding a midlevel makes economic sense. Here are a few questions that need to be answered:

How will the services be reimbursed?
Is there enough demand?
Will each existing provider accept a midlevel?
Will the plan include the midlevel enhancing the existing service mix?
Are midlevels serving the community now, and are they accepted by the referring physicians?
Who will train and supervise the midlevel?

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