Advanced practice provider (APP) is a term used to describe nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA) trained to care for patients under the supervision of a physician. They are licensed to provide primary and specialty care, order diagnostic tests and prescribe medication.
With a lack of primary care and specialty physicians, an aging population and rising chronic disease rates, APPs can provide high-quality care and meet the demands of the current health care climate.
“Amid a global physician shortage, advanced practice providers can bridge the gap and expand access to quality health care for everyone in the community,” says Haley Kielbas, a physician assistant (PA) at Riverside Patriot Primary Care.
Advanced practice providers are highly trained
The education for an advanced practice provider varies depending on their profession. However, all APPs require graduate-level education and additional training to practice.
Nurse practitioners complete a registered nursing degree program as part of a bachelor’s degree. In addition, each has a master’s degree from an accredited nurse practitioner program. Physician assistants also complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in a physician assistant program. Advanced practice providers may specialize in many fields of medicine, including family medicine, critical care, geriatrics and women’s health.
“Like physicians, advanced practice providers have significant training to ensure they are qualified to provide the highest level of patient care,” says Ms. Kielbas.
APPs must be board certified in the same state they have their license. They are also required to take continuing education courses each year. Nurse practitioners re-certify every five years, and physician assistants re-certify every ten years.
Advanced practice providers care for all patients
“Advanced practice providers care for people of all ages and in all areas of medicine,” says Ms. Kielbas.
APPs assist with surgery, prescribe antibiotics and assess childhood growth. Like physicians, they evaluate, diagnose, develop and implement treatment plans for acute and chronic conditions.
With many of the same responsibilities as physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants provide primary and specialty care throughout the health system. Common conditions advanced practice providers care for include:
- Preventive care, annual physicals and well-checks
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Critical care (such as accidents and trauma)
- Surgical support
- Muscle and bone injuries
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Genitourinary conditions
- Chronic disease management (such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure)
Advanced practice providers offer efficient, quality care
The advanced practice provider is an essential asset to modern health care, providing efficient, quality care for every age and stage of life. Schedule an appointment with Ms. Kielbas today or find another one of our experts for your health care needs today in Riverside’s MyChart.
