Nu627U2peerresponseShereka
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are increasingly recognized for their potential to contain escalating healthcare costs while expanding access to care. Studies have established that nurse practitioners (NPs) deliver primary care comparable to physicians in quality and price. It is a well-established fact that Medicare, a reimbursement program, consistently reimburses nurse practitioners (NPs) at lower rates than physicians (Harrison et al., 2023). NPs can reduce outpatient costs by 17% and prescription drug costs by 11% when allowed to practice to the full extent of their training. Globally, advanced practice nurses (APNs) provide high-quality chronic disease care to patients, yet the cost-effectiveness of their services is minimally explored (Harrison et al., 2023). This is especially important in states with full practice authority (FPA), where NPs can work independently without physician supervision. NPs are more likely to work in rural and underserved areas, helping to address primary care shortages. This expanded access to care can lead to earlier interventions and preventive care, contributing to cost-saving measures overall.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are a proven response to the evolving trend towards wellness and preventive health care driven by consumer demand (Nurse Practitioner Cost Effectiveness, n.d.). The integration of NPs into healthcare teams has been shown to decrease the cost of patient visits by as much as one-third. This efficiency is partly due to the lower compensation costs for NPs compared to physicians and their ability to manage a wide range of healthcare needs effectively. In states that have expanded the scope of practice for NPs, there has been an increase in total care days for Medicaid beneficiaries, indicating better access and potentially better health outcomes. Healthcare costs in the United States continue to increase, requiring solutions that permit safe, quality care with a lower financial investment (Green & Ruel, 2020).
In Louisiana, the impact of NPs could be substantial, especially in rural areas facing significant healthcare provider shortages. By allowing NPs to practice independently, the state could see similar cost savings and improved access to care as observed in other regions with FPA. Scope of practice laws may also have implications for the quality of care provided by NPs and the total costs of care (Harrison et al., 2023). By leveraging these advantages, NPs can play a crucial role in containing healthcare costs while maintaining high-quality care in Louisiana.
Needs help with similar assignment?
We are available 24x7 to deliver the best services and assignment ready within 3-4 hours? Order a custom-written, plagiarism-free paper
Get Answer Over WhatsApp Order Paper Now