Primary care practices that employ nurse practitioners (NPs) are increasingly stepping in to address the nation’s growing health disparities, especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. A recent study led by researchers at Columbia University School of Nursing highlights that practices with NPs are far more likely to serve areas with higher poverty levels, fewer high school graduates, and rural populations than those without NPs. These communities often face significant barriers to healthcare access, underscoring the critical need for such providers.
The study examined 79,743 U.S. primary care practices and found that as of 2023, over half included NPs on staff, marking a sharp increase from a decade ago. Results showed that practices with NPs were disproportionately located in communities with many residents below the poverty line and without diplomas. For example, 14.4% of residents in NP-driven practice communities live in poverty compared to 12.8% in areas without such practices. In rural regions, the disparity becomes even starker, with 11.9% of NP-staffed practices serving these communities versus just 5.5% of practices without NPs.
This shift comes in response to a worrisome shortage of primary care physicians, with an anticipated shortfall of up to 40,400 physicians by 2036. Researchers stress the importance of policies that attract and retain NPs in these underserved areas, such as loan repayment programs and pay equity initiatives. Expanding access through NPs not only addresses immediate gaps but also strengthens healthcare systems in communities with the greatest needs.
See: “Primary care practices with NPs are key to in” (February 28, 2025)
