Most observers of the American healthcare system conclude there is a primary care shortage, though opinion varies on what to do about it. Nurse practitioners and other mid-levels such as physician assistants have been suggested to fill the gap. Could they become the primary care providers of the future? I think...
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As America begins to grapple with realization that it doesn’t have enough family physicians, a common suggestion is that the shortage can be solved by growing the mid-level workforce, i.e. nurse practitioners and physician assistants. I’ll talk more about mid-levels’ role in primary care next week. Today, let’s step back and...
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A colleague of mine who is a family physician in Arlington, Texas, let’s call him Dr. Smith, was sued several years ago for medical malpractice. His patient had reached the age where routine screening for colorectal cancer is recommended. Dr. Smith performed flexible sigmoidoscopies (flex sigs) in his office, which is...
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A young man streaks down the basketball court with only one man to beat. A subtle head fake to the right causes his opponent’s weight to shift ever so slightly. The dribbler crosses the ball from his right hand to his left, dips his shoulder just past his opponent’s, and pushes...
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