Answer 2 for NUR 550 Identify two major policy issues that affect the current state of health care delivery and population health equity in the United States (may be state or federal)

Answer 2 for NUR 550 Identify two major policy issues that affect the current state of health care delivery and population health equity in the United States (may be state or federal)

Population groups that experience the most profound healthcare disparities are the ones that can most benefit from the full and unrestricted use of nurse practitioners (NPs) as primary care providers. As a result of the decreased numbers of physicians choosing primary care as their specialty in favor of better-paid specialties, there is a shortage of primary care providers, especially in areas of higher ethnic and racial diversity (Poghosyan & Carthon, 2017). Nurse practitioners are an ideal solution to this problem. With the increased numbers of nurse practitioners now practicing, one would think that the problem would solve itself. However, varying healthcare policies governing the ability of nurse practitioners to provide primary care as well as reimbursement disparities have hampered this ready-made solution. One problem limiting the successful implementation of nurse practitioners are the varying and inconsistent scope of practice guidelines between states. These inconsistencies affect aspects of practice such as the ability of NPs to prescribe medications, practice independently without the oversight of a physician and the ability to admit patients to the hospital. Another issue impacting NPs ability to meet the primary care shortage is the inconsistency in billing practices and reimbursement. Some insurance companies recognize NPs as primary care providers as reimburse them for care and others do not. Medicare reimburses NPs at 85% of what they reimburse MDs for providing the same care. These factors lead to NPs being drawn to practice in regions that allow for full practice and better reimbursement. Unfortunately, this situation exacerbates the shortage of NPs providing primary care in underserved areas.

References:

Poghosyan, L. & Carthon, J. (2017). The untapped potential of the nurse practitioner workforce in reducing health disparities. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 18(2):84-94. doi:10.1177/1527154417721189