Trends & Analysis

The U.S. will face a shortage of between 40,800 to nearly 105,000 physicians by 2030, reports the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The organization recently released the results of its annual projects report, including data on PAs, NPs, and the effect reaching population health goals may have on demand for clinicians.

A first-of-its-kind study examining patient health outcomes in community health centers found that PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) delivered similar quality of care, services, and referrals as those made by physicians. Recently published in the journal Medical Care, the study could have implications for the structure of community health centers in the future.

Healthcare industry influencer Medical Group Management Association recently released a new research report and analysis that found 78 percent of better performing medical practices employ PAs and NPs.

If it seems like you are seeing more patients these days, and that they have more health problems than they used to, that’s because you probably are. The absolute number of patients seeking care is increasing, and many more patients have multiple chronic conditions than they did a generation, or even a decade, ago.