Using Nurses for Primary Care

In a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, "Making Room for Dr. Nurse," author Laura Landro noted the emerging trend of finding ways around the shortage of primary-care physicians by having nurses get additional training to become nurse practitioners and doctors of nursing practice.

By 2020 there could be a shortfall of 85,000 to 200,000 primary-care physicians. Massachusetts who has recently instituted universal insurance coverage is finding a severe shortage right now. Physicals is some locations are being scheduled 15 months out.

A nurse practitioner goes to school for two additional years past his or her bachelor of nursing degree and has prescription authority and is eligible for Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. A doctor of nursing practice (DNP) includes these two years plus a year of residency and the requirement to take the same National Board of Medical Examiners exam that physicians are required to take. In addition to the privileges of the nurse practitioner the DNP has hospital admitting privileges and is starting to be recognized by insurance companies for payments.

Several of my capital campaign hospital clients are helping their nursing programs through philanthropic community investments like the nurse practitioner program.

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Photo courtesy Mater Private Hospital, Brisbane

Tom Wilson
Author, Winning Gifts