AUA Consensus Statement on Advanced Practice Providers: Executive Summary

Introduction: The purpose of this document is to provide guidance for urologists on the integration of advanced practice providers into the urological care setting with a focus on the current state and federal regulatory environment, reimbursement considerations, core competency benchmarks, patient satisfaction with the advanced practice provider-physician team approach and proposed models of team based integrative care. Methods: Since 1983, the AUA (American Urological Association) has issued its position on allied health professionals, recognizing that in some areas allied health personnel contribute to the care of the patient with genitourinary disease and, therefore, encourages the proper use of allied health personnel. A 2013 AUA survey on workforce revealed that 62% of urologists surveyed were using an advanced practice provider in their practice. In 2012 there were nearly 8,000 advanced practice providers working in urology departments and practices in the United States, including more than 3,300 nurse practitioners and more than 4,000 physician assistants. In 2013 the AUA convened an ad hoc work group of a diverse set of urology providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. The consensus statement was drafted over 10 months and approved by the AUA Board of Directors in November 2014. Results: Urologists work with advanced practice providers frequently but many may not know the most efficient way to incorporate them into their practice. The consensus statement examines advanced practice provider integration from a regulatory and practice management approach, as well as provides several applicable examples of how this applies to urologists in various clinical settings throughout the United States. Conclusions: This document supports the AUA's policy statement that in a team based approach with a board certified urologist in a supervisory role, allied health personnel contribute to the care of the patient with genitourinary disease and, therefore, encourages the proper use of allied health personnel.