Justifying nurse practitioner existence: hard facts to hard figures.

When lawmakers and insurers ask nurse practitioners how NPs differ from physicians and why they should be incorporated into patient care systems, NPs answer that they are better listeners, pay more attention to prevention, and that they give safe care and have a high level of patient satisfaction. Lawmakers and insurers are not always impressed with this type of answer. These policy makers may understand that NPs do some of the same things as physicians, but they do not always understand why anyone should seek out NPs when physicians are available. This article outlines the types of data needed to support NP practice before lawmakers, bureaucrats, and business-people. The article examines impressive facts and figures that are emerging and suggests what is needed in the way of further data collection and continuing advancement of the profession.