APCblogit

NPs and end-of-life care

When a patient's health care team decides that medical treatment will no longer help a chronic condition, testing and treatment ceases . However, the patient must still be cared for. As an NP or a PA, you probably actively care for patients during their end-of-life. Are you up to date on the latest models for this type of care?  What will the future bring? Watch this video presented by the Duke Univerisity School of Medicine.

Esophageal cancer and your patients

Esophageal cancer can be caused by chronic conditions, like GERD, or by alcohol or tobacco use. There has been an increased incidence in the past 10 to 15 years. If your patient presents with painful or difficultly swallowing, it could be esophageal cancer. Depending on the type of cancer your patient has, surgery may be a reliable option.

Medical decisions of the underinsured

The media reminds us that nearly 45 millions Americans are without health insurance. But what about the "underinsured--those who have health insurance, but also have out-of-pocket health expenses that total 10% of their income? In this time of economic uncertainty, combined with rising healthcare costs, the United States has cultivated one of the highest rates of out-of-pocket healthcare costs. What can NPs and PAs do to help their patients pay for their costs?

Podcast series on spine health

Click here to download a 5-part series on spine health to your iPod.

Retail Health Clinics: State Legislation and Laws

Read more about legislation governing retail health clinics. How do you think this will affect the industry?

For many, the nurse practitioner is the doctor

Many patients are entrusting their routine healthcare to a nurse practitioner. Ted Epperly, MD, President of the AAFP says that the NP cannot fill the shoes of the FP in terms of comprehensive care. What do you think?

Public Statement Regarding NCCPA's Commitment to Offer a Voluntary Credential for PAs Practicing in Specialties

After several years of thoughtful consideration of how to best serve the public interest and discussions with numerous PA and physician specialty organizations and others, at a February 8, 2009 meeting, NCCPA's Board of Directors reaffirmed its commitment to offering a mechanism for the achievement of a voluntary PA specialty credential. An NCCPA workgroup is developing the model for a specialty credential program, which the organization will launch no later than 2011. As the model develops, NCCPA will continue to work with AAPA and physician and PA specialty organizations in the discussions. NCCPA is committed to engaging others in dialogue about the specific elements of the specialty credential program and to considering their input. Written comments can be submitted to NCCPA by e-mail and should be directed to comments@nccpa.net.