The Rising Role of Physician Assistants and Nurses in Direct Care Practices

Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurses, especially Nurses Practitioners (NPs), are increasingly pivotal in the Direct Care model. Embracing a holistic approach, they align seamlessly with the fundamental principles of Direct Primary Care (DPC) and Direct Specialty Care (DSC), with an emphasis on comprehensive health and wellness. 

In this blog post, we explore how this approach is transforming patient care.

Understanding Better the Differences Between Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

At the practice level, Physician Assistants (PAs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) often share many similarities. However, there are some notable differences. 

PAs are typically trained in general medicine, following a curriculum modeled on medical school education. In contrast, Nurse Practitioners are generally trained in advanced nursing practice, often with a focus on a specific population, such as pediatric care, for instance, in the case of a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

Why Work As A Direct Care Physician Assistant or a Direct Care Nurse?

Within the Direct Care Movement, the skills of both professionals are paramount. The Direct Care Model prioritizes a patient-centered care, free from the intricacies of insurance billing, and emphasize preventative care, extended consultations, and a robust patient-nurse or patient-PA relationship.

Here are some reasons for the shift to the Direct Care Model:

Holistic Approach

PAs and NPs are trained to consider the full spectrum of a patient’s health, encompassing physical, emotional, and environmental factors.

Accessibility and Affordability

PA or NP-led Direct Care practices often provide more flexible and affordable healthcare options, enhancing accessibility.

Strong Patient Relationships

Known for their compassionate care and exceptional communication skills, they foster significant relationships with patients. In Direct Care settings, this translates to patients feeling genuinely cared for and understood.

Preventative Care Expertise

They are also adept in preventative care and patient education, helping to minimize the need for costly specialist interventions or hospitalizations.

Learning From a Real Story

Dr. Gregory Reid Lancaster, holding a Master's in Physician Assistant Studies, previously practiced as a PA in the insurance-based model. He recalls the frustrations his patients experienced, such as long waiting times for appointments, rushed visits, and unexpected medical bills. 

His perspective changed upon learning about Direct Primary Care from the news, leading him to a career shift and the necessary training to establish Ethos Modern Medicine, a Direct Care Practice in Southern California. His goal is to work side by side with patients to help them achieve their best health.

PA & Nurse Direct Care: Emphasizing Comprehensive Health and Wellness

Dr. Lancaster exemplifies the provision of key insights to help patients lead better lives. His approach, as showcased in a recent video for SigmaMD Bytes, illustrates this perfectly:

“Here are 5 things you can do to have a great day.

Number 1: first thing in the morning, drink a tall glass of water. It is a shower for your insides and your body will love you for it.

Number 2: before you do anything else, sit down and do nothing. No phones No emails. If you pray, then pray. If you think, then think. And when you think, try to think about the things that you are grateful for.

Number 3: make the last 30 seconds of your shower ice cold. Turn it all the way down. The endorphins that are released are better than any double shot of espresso.

Number 4: get outside for at least 15 minutes into nature. Nature is the antidote to depression and anxiety.

Number 5: put your phone away for at least one hour tonight when you are with your friends and family. Those miracle devices are also sucking your relationships dry, and you might be surprised at how much more you like your friends and family and how much more they like you. You have permission to live your best life. Do not hold yourself back.”

As we can see, the Direct Care approach by Physician Assistants and Nurses marks a significant shift in our perception of primary healthcare. It meets the growing demand for more patient-centered, accessible, and affordable healthcare services. As this model continues to evolve, it has the potential to reshape the future of healthcare, making it more humane, personalized, and effective for all.