I found this to be an interesting article. It outlines the major issues we have with flooding the system with more people. Commentary: Why primary care doctors are fed up - CNN.com The other issue is that most doctors are looking our for themselves and ordering potentially unnecessary tests. They do this to make money and to cover their ass. So what is the answer? I think we give Nurse Practitioners a uniform set of guidelines that will allow them to see patients. If someone is on the Gov't plan they see an NP because they are cheaper. Everyone should have a high deductible plan and can go see an NP if they want or can go see a physician. The difference is, now it will affect their pocket if they want to see a doctor over an NP.
Currently they are able to. In some states, like Oregon, they are allowed to practice on their own almost completely I think. The laws vary by state but they have prescriptive rights for all but the strongest drugs in most states already.
