Top read in February: AUA statement on NPs/PAs

Catch up on February’s best-read Urology Times articles, including our coverage of the AUA’s recent statement on NPs/PAs, a malpractice case involving removal of a cancer-free testicle, and a Q&A on diversity in urology.

A recent Urology Times article on the AUA’s statement regarding the use of advanced practice providers clearly struck a chord with readers, as it was our most-read article online in February.

The AUA’s consensus statement is meant to serve as a best practices framework for urology practices and provides guidance on an issue that affects many of you: Urology Times’ 2014 State of the Specialty survey indicated that 64% of respondents use a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Our coverage of the statement includes eight take-home points, as well as exclusive video interviews with two malpractice attorneys who discuss the potential liability risk associated with the use of NPs and PAs.

Urology Times Editorial Council member Howard M. Snyder, III, MD, called the article “a real service to urology.”

“There is a work force crisis in urology. The AUA has realized that part of the solution is going to be to persuade urologists to be the captain of a team of caregivers that will include advanced practice providers. Only if we include non-physicians in urologic care will we able to take care of the numbers of patients that will come to us for care,” said Dr. Snyder, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.

To read the article, click here.

Here are some other articles that grabbed readers’ attention in February:

Drug reps: Understanding the hand that feeds you

In this thoughtful and engaging blog post, urologist Henry Rosevear, MD, examines the changing restrictions on industry reps, their selling tactics, and what role they play in medicine today.

Removal of cancer-free testicle prompts lawsuit

Our “Malpractice Consult” column always generates high interest, and this latest installment was no exception. The column also includes coverage of a separate lawsuit involving a hemorrhage following transurethral resection of the prostate.

Next: Dr. Downs discusses diversity in urology

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'We embrace diversity,' but must do more to compete

February’s “Q&A” interview featured Tracy M. Downs, MD, discussing the state of diversity in urology with UT Editorial Consultant Stephen Y. Nakada, MD. Don’t miss this wide-ranging and compelling discussion, as well as video highlights of the interview.

Saving for retirement: How much is enough?

The current health care environment is affecting when many urologists will retire, making this column from financial advisers Joel M. Blau, CFP, and Ronald J. Paprocki, JD, CFP, CHBC, essential reading for urologists uncertain as to whether they’ve earned enough money to retire.