Currently in our healthcare industry there is an ongoing trend in which the demand for Physician Assistants is intensifying. Statistics show that as the physician population ages, the need for PAs becomes more prominent. In fact, it is predicted that by the year of 2020 the United States will face a shortage of more than 90,000 physicians! Also playing a part in the deficiency is new access to health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. This shortage does not discriminate – it includes primary care services as well as specialized work such as general surgery, cardiology, and oncology. This ultimately explains the reason why PA searches are up 127%.
In the past, many sites only utilized few of these healthcare providers. Now, however, many can be found being hired in large quantities. Although there are restrictive regulations varying by state, expanded roles for PAs as well as Nurse Practitioners are becoming more of an answer. As a result, some PAs and NPs are now even being referred to as “physician extenders”. Not only are they able to provide physician comparable care in some circumstances, but sites are getting more “bang for their buck” as the cost for them is less. This helps offset the cost for patients also.” PAs are perhaps the single best bargain in healthcare right now and that is one of the reasons why people are snapping up PAs right as they graduate,” says AAPA President Lawrence Herman. PAs are becoming more appealing in other categories too. In regards to patient satisfaction levels, PAs have a high parallel to Physicians. They are also flexible in their plan of care.
For the first time ever, from 2012 to 2013, PAs and NPs appeared in the “Top 20 Most Requested Physician Searches by Medical Specialty” ranking 12th and 10th respectively. When all of these stars align, there are evident reasons why the demand for these providers has intensified.
Katey Wennekamp started working as a Recruiter in the Advanced Practice Division of Aureus Medical Group in May 2012. She was responsible for finding qualified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Katey has since become an Account Manager and in addition to finding qualified NPs and PAs, she manages a specific territory in the United States, working with hospitals and private practices to fill their job openings. In her free time, Katey enjoys volunteering at the Nebraska Humane Society, participating in sport related activities, and spending time with friends and family.