An inside view. NP/MD perceptions of collaborative practice.

The pressing dilemma in this era of health care reform is how to provide cost-effective, high quality health care for all Americans. At the present time, due to a number of complex factors, including attrition and economic disincentives, a shortage of primary care physicians exists in certain medically underserved areas of the country. At the same time, however, primary care nurse practitioners are increasing in number.