What is Care Extenders UCLA?
Care Extenders UCLA is a groundbreaking healthcare program designed to improve access to quality healthcare services while optimizing efficiency and reducing costs. This innovative model leverages the skills and expertise of highly trained non-physician healthcare professionals, known as care extenders, to provide a wide range of patient care services under the supervision of licensed physicians.
By expanding the healthcare workforce with care extenders, UCLA Health aims to address the growing shortage of primary care providers, improve patient satisfaction, and enhance the overall quality of care.
How Care Extenders Benefit Patients
Care extenders play a crucial role in enhancing the patient experience by:
- Increasing access to appointments and reducing wait times
- Providing personalized and comprehensive care
- Enhancing patient education and health literacy
- Improving communication and coordination of care
Types of Care Extenders at UCLA
UCLA Health employs a diverse team of care extenders, including:
- Physician Assistants: Licensed healthcare professionals who provide medical diagnosis, treatment, and medication management
- Nurse Practitioners: Registered nurses with advanced training who provide comprehensive healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, and mental health care
- Registered Nurses: Provide nursing care, administer medications, and monitor patients’ vital signs
- Certified Medical Assistants: Assist physicians and other healthcare professionals with administrative and clinical tasks
- Health Educators: Promote health awareness, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle habits
Scope of Services Provided by Care Extenders
Care extenders at UCLA provide a wide range of services, including:
- Primary care: Annual exams, vaccinations, chronic disease management
- Urgent care: Treatment of minor injuries and illnesses
- Specialty care: Cardiology, pulmonology, gastroenterology
- Mental health care: Therapy, medication management
- Health education: Nutrition counseling, smoking cessation, diabetes education
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Care Extenders
To maximize the benefits of care extenders, it’s essential to avoid common misconceptions and misunderstandings:
- Assuming that care extenders replace physicians: Care extenders complement physicians’ work by providing additional support and services.
- Discounting the expertise of care extenders: Care extenders undergo rigorous training and certification programs to provide high-quality care.
- Limiting communication with physicians: Open communication between care extenders and physicians is crucial for providing seamless and coordinated patient care.
Evidence of Success
Numerous studies have demonstrated the positive impact of care extenders on healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction:
- A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients treated by care extenders were more likely to receive preventive care and have improved health outcomes.
- A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research showed that nurse practitioners provide comparable care to physicians at a lower cost.
- A survey by the American Academy of Family Physicians found that 92% of patients were highly satisfied with the care they received from care extenders.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a care extender and a physician?
Care extenders are non-physician healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of physicians to provide a range of patient care services.
2. Are care extenders as qualified as physicians?
Care extenders undergo rigorous training and certification programs to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to provide high-quality care.
3. Can I see a care extender for all my healthcare needs?
Care extenders can provide a wide range of services, but certain complex or specialized medical conditions may require the attention of a physician.
4. How much do care extender services typically cost?
The cost of care extender services varies depending on the service provided and the location of the healthcare facility. However, care extenders often offer more affordable options compared to traditional physician visits.
5. How can I find a care extender near me?
You can typically find care extenders at hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. You can also search online or contact your insurance provider for more information.
6. What are some common misconceptions about care extenders?
Some common misconceptions include that care extenders replace physicians, that they are not as qualified as physicians, and that they cannot provide comprehensive care.
