Physician Disability: Tips on Hiring PA’s and NP’s
In the course of developing a comprehensive practice, many physicians choose to hire PA’s and NP’s to expand their medical practice and boost staff. They can free up a physician’s time to focus more on patient care- and if you are injured and forced to rely on physician disability insurance for a while, they can ease stress and help shoulder some of the work while you are out. 
But there are multiple factors to assess when you incorporate a physician assistant or nurse practitioner into your medical practice. Simply stating, “oh he/she will really help increase productivity,” is an ambiguous reason that won’t reap benefits for your practice.
The reasons to hire an NP or PA should be clearly defined. How will you incorporate them into your practice? What role will they play day-to-day?
American Medical News outlined tips for physicians looking to hire an NP or PA. The first thing to determine is whether a nurse practitioner of physician assistant would suit your practice’s needs.
State regulations differ across the country. For example, nurse practitioners can prescribe in all 50 states, but can only prescribe controlled substances in 47. Nurse Practitioners are also more likely to work in collaboration with a doctor (they can practice independently in 15 states), where as a physician assistant is generally supervised by a doctor.
Once you decide whether to hire a NP or Have a clear plan of action: what a PA or NP does, what duties and decisions belong to the physician and what belong to the NP or PA are all topics that should be covered.
It is essential to clearly define the job parameters of a physician assistant or nurse practitioner entering a practice for the first time. According to the American Medical Association, the reason why new hires may leave a practice isn’t due to compensation issues. Typically, a PA or NP will leave because they don’t feel their skills are being utilized enough. Discussing these details in the interview process to avoid any issues or problems arising later on.
Take care to protect yourself, your family, and your career. You’ve committed significant financial resources and many hours of study and experience. Physician disability insurance can help were worker’s comp, social security, and savings may not be enough.