Neurosurgery Advanced Practice Provider

Scope of Practice

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In clinic

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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
   

• 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
   

• 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

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In hospital

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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
   

• 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

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.