Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant | Webinar Series-Integrating NPs and PAs into Plastic Surgery Practices

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar, led by Scott Hollenbeck from the University of Virginia and ASPS President-Elect, focused on the value added to plastic surgery practices by Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs). Over the last decade, the contribution of NPs and PAs in healthcare has significantly increased, with projections showing continued growth. From 2013 to 2019, their share of U.S. healthcare visits increased from 14% to 26%, and is projected to grow by 80% and 50% for NPs and PAs, respectively, by 2031. This transformation has demonstrated both financial and practical benefits in healthcare settings, notably in plastic surgery. <br /><br />Several studies, including one by Dr. Sam Lenz and another by Jeff Janis, underscore their positive impact: reducing costs, improving patient access to care, and increasing operational efficiency. The webinar explored how PAs and NPs function in both academic and private settings, wearing many "hats" from clinical practices to research and organizational responsibilities. Panelists highlighted their roles in patient care, clinics, surgical assistance, and med spa services, emphasizing comprehensive training and seamless integration into existing practices. <br /><br />Key takeaway points included understanding institutional standards for billing and maximizing PA and NP potential, primarily through thorough training and allowing them to work to the top of their license. The presentations iterated the importance of cultivating strong relationships between surgeons and APPs, showcasing their critical role in expanding patient access and improving healthcare delivery efficiencies.

Keywords

Plastic Surgery

Nurse Practitioners

Physician Assistants

Healthcare Growth

Operational Efficiency

Patient Access

Cost Reduction

Clinical Practices

Training

Healthcare Delivery

Scott Hollenbeck