APPs in Otolaryngology Can Help Fill Gaps in Patient Care

by Lara C. Pullen, PhD •

The bottom line, said Gilbert, is that, “You as a group of physicians need to choose: What are your priorities?” It may be that hiring an APP is one of them.

Dr. Pullen is a freelance medical writer based in Illinois.

Take-Home Points

  • APPs can become certified in a specialty area.
  • As demand for physicians exceeds supply, APPs can help fill the gap.
  • APPs can prescribe, perform routine procedures, and, with training, perform more advanced procedures.

What can Apps do?

  • See new patients.
  • Recheck patients.
  • Order appropriate workups.
  • Perform procedures.
  • Run clinics.
  • Perform preoperative history and physicals.
  • Perform postoperative visits.
  • Take a first call.
  • Serve as a first assist in surgical procedures.
  • Participate in MACRA–Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) or Advanced Alternative Payment Models (AAPM).