Collaboration, Not Competition: Cost Analysis of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Plus Neonatologist Versus Neonatologist-Only Care Models. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bosque, Elena
• Other Names: Catlin Anita section editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in neonatal care. Volume 15:Number 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: collaborative care -- healthcare cost -- neonatal care model; Newborn infants -- Medical care -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Premature infants -- Hospital care -- Periodicals; 618.9201
• DOI: 10.1097/ANC.0000000000000161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1536-0903

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Although advanced practice in neonatal nursing is accepted and supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, less than one-half of all states allow independent prescriptive authority by advanced practice nurse practitioners. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare costs of a collaborative practice model that includes neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) plus neonatologist (Neo) versus a neonatologist only (Neo-Only) practice in Washington state. Published Internet median salary figures from 3 sources were averaged to produce mean ± SD provider salaries, and costs for each care model were calculated in this descriptive, comparative study. Findings/Results: Median NNP versus Neo salaries were $99, 773 ± $5206 versus $228, 871 ± $9654, respectively ( P < .0001). The NNP + Neo (5 NNP/3 Neo full-time equivalents [FTEs]) cost $1, 185, 475 versus Neo-Only (8 Neo FTEs) cost $1, 830, 960. The NNP + Neo practice model with 8 FTEs suggests a cost savings, with assumed equivalent reimbursement, of $645, 485/year. Implications for Practice: These results may provide the impetus for more states to adopt broader scope of practice licensure for NNPs. Implications for Research: These data may provide rationale for analysis of actual costs and outcomes of collaborative practice.