My wife is an NP.
One, great example: she works in a large pool of doctors; about 28 of them. There are 5-6 NPs.
They were all instructed to study up and get certified to administer some of the new State-required DOT physical exams. The cert test was comprehensive and Board reviewed.
After one year, not one doctor has passed the exam. All of the NPs passed on the first try.
NPs should not be confused with PAs, RNs, nor LPNs nor should anyone feel cheated by seeing one; especially in an acute care setting.
We are heading towards a pay as you go medical system and moving steadily away from an insurance-based system. One of the good side-effects of ObamaCare.
Can't happen soon enough !
I'd be willing to bet/make a WAG that at least 50% of billable health care costs are for ridiculously petty stuff that most people wouldn't consider going out of pocket for.