The Physician Specialty Shortage
Many experts agree that the U.S. is about to face a serious shortage of physicians. At NCPA, we have endorsed broadening the scope of practice of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs).
However, these allied health professionals are most likely to be found working in primary practice. What can be done about the shortage of other specialists?
In an article at RealClearPolicy, NCPA Senior Fellow Thomas A. Hemphill and Gerald Knesek recommend changes to the training of allied health professionals:
PA programs vary in their length, and some don’t require a formal post-graduate specialty education. The basic PA curriculum should be standardized to two years, followed by one year for post-graduate didactic and clinical training in a certificate-awarded specialty, with the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants overseeing the process.
Wouldn’t it be much simpler and much cheaper for Amerikans to seek health care in Mexico, Cuba, Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil or Argentina? Last year, I got cataract surgery for half the USSA price in Rio de Janeiro, and I’m now back again for diabetes and thrush treatment. I had a free consultation at the local clinic and was prescribed Glybenclamide and Nystatin, both of which they provided me at no cost. In any case, both those drugs are pretty cheap, and Argentine pharmacies will mail Glybenclamide to you in the USSA with no prescription for about 40 cents a pill. I think you have to be pound foolish to put up with health care as offered in the USSA.