Currently, more than 2 million Kentuckians live in areas experiencing a health care provider shortage, making it difficult for them to receive the care they need. In fact, a recent Harris Poll found that 74% of Kentucky patients are worried about how these shortages will affect them or their loved ones, and 32% are worried about our healthcare system. I found out that I was giving a failing grade.
At a time when our state's patients are dissatisfied with our health care system, it is important that we do everything we can to get the most out of Kentucky's health care workers. According to the Harris Poll, Kentuckians currently wait 4.2 weeks to get a necessary medical appointment. Too long to wait for treatment.
As a physician assistant/assistant in Kentucky for over 12 years and a PA educator for over 6 years, I share the frustrations of my patients. Fortunately, PA has common-sense solutions that can have a long-lasting and lasting impact. At the same time, it helps retain newly trained PAs after graduation.
Health insurance :They put me through hoops to get the treatment I needed. It cost me my job.
Modernized laws will help Kentucky-Pennsylvania better serve its communities
There is a real need to update some outdated and unnecessary regulations that can hinder the ability of healthcare teams to get the most out of PA. The modernized law will allow PA to do more to address Kentucky's health care shortages.
On the positive side, the Harris Poll survey showed widespread public support for one readily available solution: mobilizing PA workers. Ninety-two percent of adults surveyed in Kentucky said they support reforming the PA Act to help the state and health care system better utilize its medical workforce. By removing administrative barriers and increasing the flexibility of this ready workforce, we can transform care and access in Kentucky.
'Have fun':Orthodontics in Kentucky needs to increase Medicaid rates.
PAs are one of the fastest growing medical professions in the country, and our extensive education provides training and expertise to help you in any medical specialty, including primary care. Rural areas and other underserved areas have been particularly hard hit and are in urgent need of more primary care providers. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, PAs are more likely than other clinicians to serve these vulnerable populations. The updated PA Practice Act will allow states to hire more PAs and increase the number of PAs in the state as they retire after training and practice in states with less restrictive and faster time to license and employment. It would be more advantageous to be placed in many HSPAs.
PAs are committed to doing our part to improve health care in our communities, but we know we can't do it alone. I encourage policymakers and all health care providers to read this latest report from the Harris Poll and suggest additional solutions as part of the health care team.
Kentucky patients had a lot to say about their medical needs. Let's listen.
Abby Hardy, PA-C, is a PA currently practicing in Louisville, Kentucky, where she also serves as Central Regional Director for the Kentucky College of Physician Assistants (KAPA) and Program Director for the Sullivan University PA Program.
