Should the VA should use Nurse Practitioners to help ease long waiting times?

VA needs to look at it like the rural world. We have a clinic. It has a doctor (GP type), PAs, NPs, and a couple RNs. You see whatever level you need to depending on what the issue is. I look at it like I hope I don't need to see the doctor. For around 90% of what's going on, the PA/NP many times have a better handle on it because they see a lot of it. Also the PAs and NPs are more in tune with dealing with patients who are in the medical field too. Doctors like to pronounce. My wife is a respiratory therapist who has ongoing respiratory issues. She just needs to tell the PA/NP what she needs that works and they are more likely to understand sooner than the Doctor. Usually along the line she'll pass on a tidbit of pulmonary information that helps the PA/NP out. They're typically more receptive to it.

I have had nothing but great care from PAs and Nurse Practitioners. both with on base and civilian side. In fact, ofter better than from a Dr.

I don't think it's a big deal at all. Some of the best medical practitioners I know and have worked with back in my medic days, are Nurse Practitioners. When I went for my C&P at the VA I saw a Nurse Practitioner and she was excellent, very thorough and right on with my conditions. Aside from that, as was stated, there are always doctors that can be referenced or brought in on a case if need be. I think it's fine, and would not hesitate to see one at all.