PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Americans Say Pay Should Be Based on Performance Instead of Education, Seniority

elchivito · #23 03-14-2011, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Well, their background is vastly different. NPs are about 80% of what the MD gets paid so for rural areas, there are savings to be had.

We are thinking of that but there are a lot of complications. For instance, as an MD you can easily get financing for the clinic but as an NP you have to go thru more hoops.

I don't know about your state but here in WI, an NP is able to write Schedule II narcotics and order any tests necessary and refer. Different states vary.

It's the same here. NP's can order all meds, tests and referrals. There is functionally no difference. The same thing is true of what are called Physician's Assistants, although they can't go into private practice and must report to a supervising MD or DO. I saw a PA for a while as I was on a waiting list to get in with the internist I see now, and she did a great job. She diagnosed a bone spur in my foot that 3 different MD's had failed to see in spite of my repeated complaints. MD's around here are so swamped that they take on PAs or NPs who end up seeing the bulk of their patients first. Kind of an ongoing triage.