Advanced Practice Provider Clinic Improves Access to Body Contouring Surgery
Patients who saw an APP first were more likely to go on to have surgery, study finds

A different approach to body contouring consultations may help more patients reach their aesthetic goals. A first appointment with an advanced practice provider (APP) helps patients understand whether they are ready for surgery or if additional steps are necessary to prepare for a procedure, according to a new study in the November issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

"A lot of patients come in for surgical evaluations, and what we're noticing is many of them weren't candidates right off the bat," said Julie West, MS, PA-C, a contributing author and physician assistant at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in Columbus, Ohio. "They leave with one of two pathways. One is: 'Here are your things to work on. Come back in three to six months.' The other is: 'Actually, you're a really good candidate. Let's get you set up with the surgeon.'"

Determining readiness for surgery

The study found about half of patients were ready for surgery, but the other half needed to take additional steps before being eligible for a procedure. However, not meeting the criteria for surgery at the first appointment did not rule out getting the procedure later.

APPs, which include physician assistants and nurse practitioners, guided patients who were not immediately eligible for surgery to develop a plan to prepare for the procedure. This may have included stopping nicotine use, stabilizing their weight or controlling medical conditions such as diabetes.

"Having an advanced practice practitioner (APP) as part of the initial consultation process for our practice has been a wonderful game changer," Samuel J. Lin, MD, MBA, PRS Editor-in-Chief, said. "The patients are able to receive clinical information earlier in the process without having to wait a longer period of time and then are able to enact changes, if needed and appropriate, to better their health and improve outcomes for surgery."

Regardless of their candidacy for surgery, patients received education about the procedures, which can help motivate them.

"We scheduled them for a three- to six-month follow-up back at the clinic to check their progress," West said. "So, it gives them a goal."

APPs improved access to care and patient satisfaction

The study found incorporating APPs into initial body contouring consultations improved patient satisfaction and increased the number of patients who ultimately had surgery.

"Patients felt understood and listened to by providers, making them more likely to return and have the surgery," West said. "Patients are satisfied because they understand their next steps, whether they are ready for surgery or not."

The study suggested this approach can make the path to body contouring surgery clearer and more efficient by helping patients understand the requirements, identify health concerns and develop a plan to reach their aesthetic goals.

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery® is published by Wolters Kluwer.

Click here to read "Force Multiplication: Improving Access to Care and Surgical Conversion Rates through Implementation of an Advanced Practice Provider Body Contouring Clinic"

Article: "Force Multiplication: Improving Access to Care and Surgical Conversion Rates through Implementation of an Advanced Practice Provider Body Contouring Clinic" (doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000012816)