Researchers found Medicare pays nurse practitioners less than primary care physicians for claims, according to Medscape.
A study compared the amount Medicare paid on claims to primary care physicians and nurse practitioners in ambulatory settings and inpatient over a 12-month period.
Here are five findings:
1 For outpatient evaluation and management, Medicare paid PCPs an average of $705, quite higher than the $498 they paid NPs.
2. Medicare paid PCPs 11 percent more for inpatient services ($22,989) compared to NPs ($20,380).
3. For Part B services, Medicare paid PCP $2,955 and NPs $2,433.
4. PCPs were paid almost 15 percent ($1,911) more than NPs ((1,629) for adjusted work revenue value unit.
5. Researchers suggest the increasing demand for NPs to meet the needs of Medicare beneficiaries will likely reduce costs.
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