Dr. J. Fred Stoner Explains Benefits of Hiring Skilled Assistants

In West Palm Beach, there has been an increase in the use of physician assistants and nurse practitioners. These two specialties in the medical field can attend and treat patients on their own, sometimes with the supervision of a medical doctor. Physicians like Dr. J. Fred Stoner are relying more on physician assistants and nurse practitioners, increasing the amount of face time that patients have with clinicians and reducing costs in the medical practice. Here are some of the pros of using physician assistants and nurse practitioners in West Palm Beach that are driving this shift.

Lower Cost

A physician assistant or nurse practitioner has a lower salary than a medical doctor, making them an affordable choice for medical practices of all types. Their expertise allows them to treat patients with minimal supervision from a medical doctor. On average, a physician assistant is paid $98,180 per year. A nurse practitioner is paid $104,740. Compare these salaries with $187,200 for a medical doctor. It is easy to see why medical practices in West Palm Beach find it attractive to hire nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Range of Specialties

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants in West Palm Beach can work in a variety of specialties. Nurse practitioners have the most diversity in their specialties, from psychiatric nurse practitioners to nurse anesthetists and nurse midwives. These nurses can enhance the patient experience wherever they work. Pathology, dermatology, emergency medicine, surgery, and adolescent medicine are just a few of the possible specialties for a physician assistant.

More Patient Face Time

Patients may enjoy seeing nurse practitioners and physician assistants because they have more time to spend talking with and treating each patient. Patients develop a closer relationship with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant they see regularly. This close relationship is a boon for the patient and the medical practice alike. When patients feel that their personal needs are being met, they are more likely to stay with the practice.

Serious Levels of Experience

Physician assistants and nurse practitioners receive extensive medical training. While medical school typically takes four years after undergraduate education, physician assistant and nurse practitioner training take two years. During these two years, physician assistants and nurse practitioners perform many of the same training tasks as medical students. They may not have the full four years of medical school training, but they can competently handle most medical problems faced in daily practice.

Medical Career Background

Many physician assistants have prior health care experience before going into the specialty. Many are members of the military who have transitioned into the civilian workforce. They manage to use their hard-won experience to enhance the lives of their patients. Nurse practitioners also have prior experience, with many nurse practitioners spending several years as registered nurses before going for their advanced degree.

Combating Physician Shortages

In many areas of the country, there is a lack of medical doctors. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are there to fill the needs of the hospital or medical practice. These practitioners provide expert care with shorter training time.

Assistance with Paperwork

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants have the ability to help medical doctors with the staggering amount of paperwork that needs to be completed daily. Prescriptions, refills, insurance documentation, notes, and medical record updates are all areas where nurse practitioners and physician assistants can assist doctors in West Palm Beach.

A Win-Win Situation

Hiring nurse practitioners and physician assistants has strong benefits for the medical practice as well as for the patient. Lowering the cost of care is one of the major attractions of hiring these professionals. Patient outcomes are better, and patients have greater satisfaction with their medical care. Dr. J. Fred Stoner, among other medical professionals, have hired nurse practitioners and physician assistants to help with the basics of their practice.