Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider
Scope of Practice
In clinic
Scope of practice include, but are not limited to the following:
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Sees all new office patients and completes a thorough history and physical examination that is problem-oriented for neurosurgical conditions. In addition to evaluating post-operative patients and routine follow-up visits
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Interprets laboratory and diagnostic tests and correlates subjective and objective data to formulate a differential diagnosis and establishes a working diagnosis
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Presents the patient to attending neurosurgeons and develops a treatment plan for neurosurgical conditions within the scope of practice and in conjunction with the neurosurgeon
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Implements therapeutic intervention for specific conditions where appropriate
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Exercise judgment on conditions requiring consultation, referral or evaluation by the supervising neurosurgeon or other healthcare professionals
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Performs office procedures such as local blocks
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Handles prescription refills
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Reviews x-rays, MRIs and CT scans of hospitalized patients and office patients with the attending neurosurgeon
In hospital
Scope of practice include, but are not limited to the following:
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Performs first assistant duties with neurosurgical procedures, including craniotomies, spinal procedures (including instrumentations) and microscopic procedures. Closes deep and superficial wounds
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Conducts hospital rounds on a daily basis of all patients including intensive care units
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Write orders and progress notes
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Performs all hospital admission history and physicals
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Orders appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests, such as MRIs, milligrams, bone scans and other radiographic studies
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Performs appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies, such as lumbar punctures, ventriculostomies, myleograms, and placement of tong traction and halo fixation devices
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Formulates and implements treatment and therapeutic plans for hospitalized patients
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Handles discharge planning and dictates discharge summaries
For the most current information regarding neurosurgery advanced practice providers' scope of practice, visit www.aaspa.com. The information above represents a sample of current practice procedures at the time of publishing.