Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider

Scope of Practice
​
In clinic
​

Scope of practice include, but are not limited to the following:

​

​

  • 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
     

  • Interprets laboratory and diagnostic tests and correlates subjective and objective data to formulate a differential diagnosis and establishes a working diagnosis

​

  • 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
     

  • Implements therapeutic intervention for specific conditions where appropriate
     

  • Exercise judgment on conditions requiring consultation, referral or evaluation by the supervising neurosurgeon or other healthcare professionals
     

  • Performs office procedures such as local blocks
     

  • Handles prescription refills
     

  • 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:

​

​

  • Performs first assistant duties with neurosurgical procedures, including craniotomies, spinal procedures (including instrumentations) and microscopic procedures. Closes deep and superficial wounds
     

  • Conducts hospital rounds on a daily basis of all patients including intensive care units
     

  • Write orders and progress notes
     

  • Performs all hospital admission history and physicals
     

  • Orders appropriate laboratory and radiographic tests, such as MRIs, milligrams, bone scans and other radiographic studies
     

  • Performs appropriate laboratory and diagnostic studies, such as lumbar punctures, ventriculostomies, myleograms, and placement of tong traction and halo fixation devices
     

  • Formulates and implements treatment and therapeutic plans for hospitalized patients
     

  • Handles discharge planning and dictates discharge summaries

READ MORE

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.