Expanding Patient Care in Dermatology: The Role of PAs and NPs
As the demand for dermatological care continues to rise, the shortage of board-certified dermatologists poses significant challenges. According to the Greater Access for Patients Partnership (GAPP), the average wait time for a dermatology appointment is 32.3 days, which is almost a 50% increase since 2009. In this landscape, Physician Assistants/Associates (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) are stepping up to fill the gap, playing a crucial role in expanding patient access to essential skin care services.
PAs and NPs are highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide a wide range of services, including diagnosis, treatment, and patient education for various dermatological conditions. Their ability to perform procedures, prescribe medications, and manage patient follow-ups makes them invaluable team members in dermatology clinics. By integrating PAs and NPs into dermatological practices, clinics can increase their patient capacity, reduce wait times, and ensure that more patients receive timely care. Improving patients’ access to quality dermatological care proves to alleviate patient stress levels and improves patients’ overall well-being and quality of life.
The concept of optimal team practice emphasizes collaboration among healthcare providers to enhance patient outcomes. In dermatology, this means leveraging the unique skills of PAs and NPs while allowing dermatologists to focus on complex cases. This model not only maximizes the efficiency of care delivery but also fosters a comprehensive approach to patient health.
As the healthcare landscape evolves, embracing the contributions of PAs and NPs in dermatology is vital. By expanding our roles, we can address physician shortages and improve patient access to quality skin care, ensuring that everyone receives the attention they need for their dermatological concerns.
Resources:
- SDPA; Greater Access for Patients Partnership; dermpa.org; 10.13.2024; https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.dermpa.org/resource/resmgr/GAPP_Wait_Time_Report_final.pdf
2. AAPA; Optimal Team Practice, aapa.org; 10.13.2024; https://www.aapa.org/advocacy-central/optimal-team-practice/
Georgia Epp-Worth, MPAS, PA-C is a derm PA with a diverse background that fuels her many interests. She loves spending time hiking in the mountains or sharing a bottle of wine with good friends.