Dynamics of Healthcare Chapter 9 Key Terms and Study Points (PP)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)

Registered nurse with master's degree training who can serve as a primary care provider, includes nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.

Allopathic Physician

A physician offering medical care using pharmacologically active agents or surgical interventions to treat or suppress symptoms of diseases or injuries.

American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)

Agency that administers qualifying exams to practice in medical specialties—for example, surgery.

American Board of Podiatric Medicine (ABPM)

Agency that certifies podiatrists in the field of medicine.

American Board of Podiatric Surgery/ American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS)

Agency that certifies podiatrists in the field of surgery.

American Osteopathic Association (AOA)

Accrediting agency for graduates of osteopathic physicians; also administers certifying exams for specialty physicians.

American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE)

Exam required for graduates of podiatric medicine to practice podiatric medicine.

Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA)

Exam required for graduates of osteopathic medicine to obtain a license to practice medicine.

Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME)

Accrediting agency for schools of podiatric medicine.

Doctor of Osteopathy

A degree conferred by an osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic physicians have the same privileges and use similar techniques as allopathic physicians (MDs) but tend to emphasize a more hands-on approach, particularly with musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)

Professions similar to MDs and Dos but trained in the medical surgical care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg.

Group Practice

Physicians who often work as part of a team, coordinating care for a population of patients, providing backup coverage, and allowing for more time off.

Hospice and palliative medicine (HPM)

Medical care to control pain and other symptoms in those with life-limiting or serious illness.

Hospitalist

Physicians (or other primary care provider) who manage patients during the time of hospitalization, including administering the patient, coordinating care during hospitalization, and following up after discharge.

Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)

National accrediting agency for medical education programs in the United States and Canada.

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

Exam required of students applying for schools of medicine, osteopathy, and veterinary medicine.

Medical Doctor (MD)

A physician who obtained a Doctor of Medicine (MD) at an accredited allopathic medical school.

Medical Home

The primary source of ongoing preventative care or disease management for an individual or family.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM)

Use of hands to manipulative muscles and joints to diagnose and treat common symptoms such as headache, and holistic patient care.

Osteopathic Physician

Physician with a Doctor of Osteopathy who places special interest on the body's musculoskeletal system, preventative medicine, and holistic patient care.

Palliative Care

Treatment or symptoms associated with a life-limiting or serious illness, including pain, and inability to swallow.

Physician Assistant (PA)

A medical professional who may practice preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic medicine under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. Responsibilities may include taking a medical history, conducting a physical exam, ordering and interpreting lab tests, and X-rays required for making a diagnosis.

Primary Care Provider (practitioner) (PCP)

Healthcare practitioners who provide healthcare services for common injuries and illness; including physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, and physician assistants.

Solo Practitioner

Physicians who work in an independent setting instead of a group practice.

U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

Exam required for medical school graduates to become licensed to practice medicine.

What is the typical educational path for physicians?

Four years of undergraduate school, four years of medical school, one year of internship, and two to seven years of residency and fellowship.

What is the job outlook for physicians in rural areas?

Job opportunities should be very good, particularly in rural and low-income areas.

What is the projected shortage of primary care practitioners by 2032 attributed to?

An aging population with more chronic health conditions and many physicians training as specialists.

What roles do Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) play?

They serve as primary care practitioners and extend primary care services.

What are the primary responsibilities of physicians and surgeons?

Diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, examine patients, obtain medical histories, and order diagnostic tests.

What are the two types of physicians?

Medical Doctor (MD) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO).

What is a unique training aspect of Doctors of Osteopathy (DO)?

They emphasize the body's musculoskeletal system and practice Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM).

What specialties fall under the category of physicians?

Anesthesiology, family and general medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, surgery, hospitalists, and hospice and palliative medicine.

What is the minimum educational requirement for medical school applicants?

Three years of college, with most having at least a bachelor's degree.

What standardized test must medical school applicants take?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).

What is required for physicians to practice in the U.S.?

All states require physicians and surgeons to be licensed and to pass a standardized national licensure examination.

What factors may temper the growth of physician employment?

Medical technology increases productivity, rising healthcare costs, and sensitivity to changes in healthcare reimbursement policies.

What is the projected growth rate for employment of physicians and surgeons from 2019 to 2029?

4%, about as fast as average for all occupations.

What specialties are expected to have good job prospects due to the aging population?

Cardiology and radiology.

What is the role of primary care practitioners (PCPs)?

They coordinate care for individual patients and make referrals to physician specialists.

What is the significance of certification for physicians?

Certification is not required but may increase employment opportunities and involves an examination after residency.

What is a common work environment for family practice physicians?

Small private offices or clinics, often assisted by a small staff.

What are some characteristics of the medical school application process?

It is highly competitive, requiring transcripts, MCAT scores, letters of recommendation, and consideration of personality and leadership qualities.

What is the emphasis of osteopathic physicians in their practice?

Preventive medicine and holistic patient care.

What is the role of diagnostic tests in a physician's work?

To order, perform, and interpret tests to aid in diagnosing illnesses.

How do job prospects vary for physicians in underserved areas?

Job prospects are particularly good for those willing to practice in rural and low-income areas.

What is the significance of the primary care model?

It includes a medical home and emphasizes the coordination of care by PCPs.

What is the expected increase in the number of physicians and surgeons from 2019 to 2029?

An increase of 27,300, from 752,400 to 779,700.

What factors influence the earnings of physicians and surgeons?

Years in practice, geographic region, hours worked, skill, personality, and professional reputation.

How do self-employed physicians' earnings compare to salaried physicians?

Self-employed physicians generally have higher median incomes than salaried physicians.

What is the median annual wage for podiatrists as of May 2020?

$134,300.

What is the highest median salary for podiatrists and where do they work?

Podiatrists who worked for the federal government earned a median salary of $163,000.

What degree must podiatrists earn?

Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree.

How long does it take to complete a DPM degree?

Four years.

What is the duration of the residency program for podiatrists?

Three years.

What are some common ailments treated by podiatrists?

Calluses, ingrown toenails, heel spurs, arch problems, and diabetic foot care.

What is the job outlook for podiatrists from 2019 to 2029?

Employment is projected to remain unchanged, with about 500 new jobs expected.

What is a significant factor contributing to job openings for podiatrists?

The retirement of currently practicing podiatrists.

What are the legal requirements for podiatrists in the United States?

Podiatrists must be licensed, pass the American Podiatric Medical Licensing Exam (APMLE), and may need to pass a state-specific exam.

What subjects are included in the DPM degree program?

Anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and other medical subjects.

What is the importance of board certification for podiatrists?

It requires a combination of work experience and passing scores on exams, enhancing professional credibility.

What is the role of podiatrists in treating diabetes-related conditions?

They treat wounds associated with diabetes and peripheral arterial disease of the lower limbs.

Where do most podiatrists work?

In offices of podiatry, group practices, private/public hospitals, and outpatient care centers.

What is the job demand for podiatrists with certification in wound care?

Job opportunities should be excellent for those with certification in wound care and preservation of the ankle and foot.

What is a common specialization for podiatrists?

Sports medicine or pediatrics.