The Affordable Care Act has been credited with the increasing need for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). With a growing number of newly-insured patients, the demand for more primary care medical providers and care coordinators is at an all-time high. New studies in this area highlight this rapid growth and show the change healthcare is currently undergoing.
Proof in the Numbers
According to research conducted by physician staffing firm Merritt Hawkins, the number of searches they conducted for NPs and PAs skyrocketed by 320% over the last two years. The study additionally indicated the need for combined practitioners, including NPs and PAs, has jumped to the fifth spot of their most-requested list. Neither position appeared in the top 20 spots three years ago.
The research demonstrated the rapidly growing healthcare environment as a result of more Americans receiving coverage under the new health law. According to the 2014 Merritt Hawkins report, over 3,100 physician and advanced practitioner search assignments were made from April 2013 to March 2014. During this period, 128 searches for NPs were made, compared to just 23 in the 2011/2012 period and 69 in 2012/2013, respectively.
Adapting to the Trend
A new approach in healthcare is for health insurance companies and employers to lead their employees into a system of population health through patient-centered medical homes and accountable health organizations. With this, health providers work hard to keep individuals out of hospitals by ensuring medication is taken and visits to doctors, health centers and retail clinics are constant.
Our nation is in great need for advanced practitioners and NP PA Recruiters is here to help. Our full-service healthcare staffing company is determined to keep employers and career seekers informed with any industry developments. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new career or are looking to grow your workforce, our consultants are ready to help you reach your goals. For more information about our services, contact us today.
