According to the Federal Government, only 16 of 58 counties in California have enough doctors. Nurse practioners, optometrists and pharmacists may be a solution, especially since there are almost 30% or more doctors nearing retirement and not enough new doctors to replace them.
SB 491, SB 492 and SB 493 being introduced by CA Senator, Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) claims that these professionals could address our shortage of doctors. SB 352 introduced by another CA Senator, Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) suggests physician assistants may be a solution.
When solutions like this are being considered we all must determine whether or not this will safely provide a solution. We need to make sure we are not expanding the various roles as a desperate attempt to fill the gaps. We need to be sure that this is will be an effective expansion to ultimately support good qualify care. We must also consider the fact that the level of education required by doctors is quite different than those of the professionals being considered.
No doubt that as a result of the Affordable Care Act, many health care professionals will play vital roles in the new health care system. It may in fact require an expansion to include a combination of various different types of health care professionals and those that have an even greater level of education to render support to patients to ensure and support a greater quality of care.
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Shawn & Debbie Zenker
Zenker Insurance Agency, Inc.
3868 W. Carson St, Suite 206
Torrance CA 90503
310.214.2444 | 800.560.2443
License# 0G76383