Work

Mp31-14 Leveraging Bladder Cancer Pathology Reports for Research: Gleaning Meaning Despite Widely Variable Language

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: codes of 50 and 97 (independently performed procedures by physician assistant (PA) and nurse practitioner (NP) respectively).We then analyzed specific procedures of interest that were of greater complexity including codes for cystoscopic procedures and prostate biopsies from 2003 to 2014.Trends over time for simple and complex procedures were analyzed using the Mann-Kendall test.RESULTS: From 2003 to 2012, independent APP procedures increased from 54,549 to 203,703 (Table), the most common simple procedures being measurements of post-void residuals, insertion of catheters, and performance of uroflowmetry.In 2003, only 328 cystoscopies were performed independently by APPs, but this increased to 2284 by 2014, representing nearly 0.3% of all cystoscopies performed nationwide.The largest increase in complex procedures performed by APPs was seen in cystoscopic stent removals, increasing from 0.05% of all procedures in 2003 to 1.3% in 2014, a 24-fold increase.CONCLUSIONS: With the relative shortage of urologists in the US, more practices are relying on advanced practice providers (APP) to provide care.Independently performed procedures by APPs are increasing over time, including procedures of moderate complexity.While these numbers underestimate the total number of procedures performed by APPs, many of which are supervised and thus without a CPT modifier, they clearly show the changing roles and responsibilities of APPs in the urologic office.To our knowledge, this is the first population-based analysis of this important trend.

Source: The Journal of Urology

DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2016.02.1267