Depression managed by PAs and NPs

Depression is a prevalent condition in the United States, and limited access to mental healthcare providers is a significant national public health issue. Using PAs and NPs to manage patients with depression could increase access to healthcare. Visits for depression to PAs and NPs in ambulatory care were examined using the 2005-2011 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. The 7-year data identified that about 7 billion visits for depression were evaluated by one of three medical providers: 93.3% physician only, 2.9% PA or NP only, and 3.9% combined. Overall, PAs and NPs were involved in 42 million (6.7%) of depression visits. Some differences in sociodemographic and health characteristics of patients emerged by provider type. Compared with patients who saw physicians, those who saw PAs or NPs only were more likely to be from urban areas and on public insurance. Increased use of PAs and NPs may be an important strategy for improving access to depression care.(1)