Do most surgeons think mid-level providers can replace primary care physicians?

That much was implied during recent testimony by the American College of Surgeons’ John Preskitt, who said, “With trauma care and surgical emergencies, there are no good substitutes or physician extenders for a well-trained general surgeon or surgical specialist.”

The ACP’s Bob Doherty took that to mean that there were good substitutes for primary (more…)

The primary care shortage has been extensively chronicled on this blog.

Thomas Chappell writes about what is it like to be in Maryland (via Dr. Wes), where there are 16 percent fewer physicians per capita compared to the rest of the country.

Well, you get a situation where mid-level providers like NPs and PAs see an increasing number of patients.

Currently, 24 percent of mostly primary care training positions are filled (more…)