University of California, Los Angeles and Harvard Medical School researchers studied whether nurse practitioners and physician assistants offer more wasteful medical care than physicians, according to Forbes.
Annals of Internal Medicine published the study.
Here are five observations:
1. In an interview, lead study author John Mafi, MD, said physicians "provide the equivalent amount of low-value care where the risk of harm is greater than the benefit."
2. Some physicians believe PAs and NPs deliver lower quality care. They argue PAs and NPs aren't as confident in their abilities, so they order more unnecessary X-rays or prescribe unneeded antibiotics.
3. The study revealed 6 percent of physicians called for unnecessary MRIs or CTs, compared to 3 percent of advanced-practice clinicians.
4. Researchers noted PAs and NPs could certainly fill in shortcomings brought on by the physician shortage.
5. Researchers concluded their findings are hopeful, as the industry starts to increase PA and NP responsibilities to compensate for the physician shortage.
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