The Solution to the Primary Care Physician Shortage

Can a nurse practitioner be a primary care provider?

nurse practitioner holding patient's hand

By 2034, America faces a projected shortage of primary care physicians between 17,800-48,000 providers, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The nation’s demand for primary care services outweighs the number of primary care providers, and this is especially true in rural areas. There are several factors contributing to this shortage, including high numbers of physicians reaching retirement age, high demand for services, and medical students simply not choosing to pursue primary care.

A nurse practitioner can deliver many of the services a primary care physician can. The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) tells us that 88.9% of NPs are certified in an area of primary care.

Nurse practitioners see patients in more than a billion visits each year, according to AANP. The shortage of primary care physicians and other specialists have fueled the demand for nurse practitioners’ services. Depending on the state, nurse practitioner services include: diagnosing and evaluating patients, interpreting tests, initiating and managing treatments, and prescribing medications.

Why you should consider NPs in your primary care practice.

  • NPs provide expertise with disease prevention and health management.
  • NPs take a more holistic approach to patient care.
  • NPs typically have a strong desire to assist under-served populations who have inadequate access to resources.
  • NPs are cost effective.
  • NPs can fill gaps in physician staffing.

Nurse practitioners contribute a comprehensive, holistic perspective to patient care. The primary care physician shortage is projected to continue, and nurse practitioners can help you ensure continued coverage for your patients. Explore the possibilities of adding a nurse practitioner to your staff to create a more effective primary care team.

Impact Nurse Practitioners Advanced

Why nurse practitioners are critical members of your staffing mix.

Find out what nurse practitioners bring to your medical staff and how your organization can benefit from utilizing their capabilities.

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Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

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Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

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Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.