Physician-led care teams are no longer the only option.
Advanced practice providers (APPs) such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants are going to play leading roles on care teams more often, says the CMO of Tower Health.
With a physician shortage across the country, health systems, hospitals, and physician practices have turned to APPs to maintain access to medical services. In some states APPs can practice autonomously, but many states require APPs to practice under the supervision of a physician.
Historically, CMOs and other healthcare leaders have thought that physicians should lead care teams under all circumstances, but that view is changing, according to Suzanne Wenderoth, executive vice president and CMO of Tower Health.
"Now, we recognize with both changes to laws in the states, which allow for full practice authority for advanced practice providers, and the physician shortage in the post-COVID era, there has been an evolution in our thinking," she says.
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Christopher Cheney is the CMO editor at HealthLeaders.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Changes in state laws that grant full-practice authority to advanced practice providers and physician shortages are opening the door for care teams led by nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Advanced practice providers who are very skilled and have several years of experience are well suited to serve as leaders of care teams.