Reply #92: Agree. Problem is, the NP's scoop up the easier patients

[mainer]

and the more complicated patients with multiple problems end up going to the M.D.'s, who must devote more time per patient because of their complexity.

This phenomenon means that doctors can appear less efficient because they spend so much more time per patient, their patients are sicker, and often those patients are more likely to succumb of their ailments.

When doctors and NP's go into direct competition, the doctors get the short end of the stick. NPs and MDs provide similar services If the patients involved have relatively straightforward problems (bronchitis, strep throat, etc.). But the NP's always turf their more complicated patients to M.D.'s, who soon acquire a practice of older, sicker patients. And it's not fair that M.D.'s get paid the same as NP's when the MD's have to deal with all the tough cases.