Recently we discussed how advanced practice providers could be a solution to the growing physician shortage. Next, learn some of the benefits of adding APPs to your staff.
1. Increases Patient Satisfaction
More than 90% of patients trust advanced practice providers (APPs) and believe that they perform high-quality care, according to an article by Wolters Kluwer, a global provider of professional information. Patients also feel that they will get more time with an APP versus a physician.
Healthcare facilities that staff APPs may have a shorter appointment wait time, which directly results in higher patient satisfaction scores and an increase in patients referring your practice to friends and family.
2. Boosts the Bottom Line
APPs see the same number of patients as physicians, while costing your facility less to employ. It is not uncommon for a Physician Assistant to bring in revenue worth several times their salary, resulting in approximately $300K in additional revenue for your facility.
The use of APPs can provide physicians the opportunity to concentrate on higher revenue-producing procedures and services or procedures not in APP’s purview.
3. Reduces Physician Burnout
According to a survey by SullivanCotter, 79% of physicians agree that APPs help reduce physician burnout.
By including APPs in your medical staffing plan, you allow physicians to focus on the services that interest them the most, as well as increased flexibility in scheduling which can decrease feelings of burnout.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many government regulations were lifted. This increased autonomy for APPs and took some pressure off of physicians. Without their help during this dire time, the physician burnout rate could have been even more severe.
4. Improves Physician Retention
According to the 2021 Medscape Physician Lifestyle & Happiness Report, 47% of physicians would take a pay cut for a better work-life balance. Perhaps employing APPs could provide your physicians with more harmony in their personal lives, resulting in happier physicians who will stay with your facility long-term.
5. Expands Clinical Services and Patient Access to Care
APPs often undergo broad training which allows them to be flexible and knowledgeable in many different settings. This skill set could allow your organization to expand its service offering.
Staggering schedules between physicians and APPs could grant your facility the ability to obtain new patients during off-times. Consider hiring APPs to supplement resident duty hour restrictions or to man a satellite office.
