Analyze the role of the advanced practice nurse in the changing health care environment. How will this role augment physicians' practices? What implications (if any) does the Affordable Care Act have on this delivery system?
The role of the advanced practice nurse in the changing health care environment.
Full Answer Section
The ACA has several provisions that support the role of APNs in the health care delivery system. For example, the ACA allows APNs to practice independently in some states. The ACA also requires health insurance plans to cover APN services.
As the health care environment continues to change, the role of APNs is likely to continue to evolve. APNs are well-positioned to play a key role in the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective health care.
Here are some specific ways that APNs can augment physicians' practices:
- Provide preventive care: APNs can provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings. This can help to reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
- Manage chronic diseases: APNs can manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. This can help to improve the quality of life for patients with these conditions and reduce the risk of complications.
- Provide patient education and counseling: APNs can provide patient education and counseling. This can help patients to understand their condition and make informed decisions about their care.
- Coordinate care: APNs can coordinate care between patients and other health care providers. This can help to ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner.
- Independent practice: The ACA allows APNs to practice independently in some states. This means that APNs can see patients without the supervision of a physician.
- Insurance coverage: The ACA requires health insurance plans to cover APN services. This means that patients can see an APN and have their care covered by their insurance.
- Payment parity: The ACA requires health insurance plans to pay APNs the same as they pay physicians for the same services. This means that APNs are able to earn a fair wage for their services.
Sample Answer
The role of the advanced practice nurse (APN) in the changing health care environment is evolving. APNs are registered nurses (RNs) who have completed additional education and training, such as a master's or doctoral degree. They are qualified to provide a wide range of health care services, including diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medications, and ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has implications for the role of APNs in the health care delivery system. The ACA expanded insurance coverage to millions of Americans, and this has led to an increased demand for health care services. APNs are well-positioned to meet this demand, as they can provide high-quality, cost-effective care.
APNs can augment physicians' practices in a number of ways. They can provide preventive care, such as vaccinations and screenings. They can also provide chronic disease management, such as managing diabetes and hypertension. APNs can also provide patient education and counseling.