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| GNPs Impact on Housecalls Author: Natalie Garry, GNP |
Objective:
This talk will describe in detail the role of the geriatric nurse practitioner who performs housecalls by using the example of a GNP's experience in an academic housecalls program. |
Background:
The number of Medicare beneficiaries receiving medical care at home has been rising since 1998 when the federal government increased payments for Housecalls. In 2004, Medicare paid for close to 2 million Housecalls, still just under 1% of outpatient visits for medical evaluation and management. The return of Housecalls is a growing movement in health care, especially for seniors, because these visits can reduce costs, hospital use and nursing home placement. |
A specialized scope of practice for the GNP:
- Housecalls to senior citizens requires advanced knowledge of geriatric syndromes, awareness of community resources and family counseling skills.
- Roles and responsibilities include advocacy, counseling, teaching, providing medical management and being the liaison between other services and the patient or family.
- The GNP can develop a rewarding and successful practice while providing quality care, time and attention to the patient and family in a cost effective environment.
- Academic Housecalls offers a unique opportunity for teaching nurse practitioner students and medical residents in training about the reality of caring for elders in their home environments.
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Conclusion:
GNPs can provide a valuable service and develop specialized skills when their scope of practice includes housecalls. GNPs who participate in an academic housecalls program can provide valuable, unique educational opportunities to nurse practitioner students and physicians-in-training. |
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