Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Compensation and APP to Physician Ratio Show Steady Increase

NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – MedAxiom, the premier source for cardiovascular organizational performance solutions, has released its 2023 Cardiovascular Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Compensation and Utilization Report, which includes data from 106 provider organizations – the annual survey’s highest response rate to date. The report features a foreword from Ginger Biesbrock, DSC, PA-C, FACC, executive vice president of MedAxiom Care Transformation Services, on best practices in APPs’ leadership, production and compensation, forming recommendations within the framework of the team-based care model.

“However, the way the team is established and put into action is highly variable with ongoing questions related to the APP role, capacity, workload expectations, etc. With APPs being the second most expensive human resource in the organization, it is critical to thoughtfully utilize your APPs’ skills.”

2023 Report Highlights:

• APP salaries have increased 13% between 2018 and 2022.
• The APP per physician ratio is steadily climbing year-over-year, with big increases in cardiac surgery.
• Over 50% of programs report that an APP leads the APP team, with APP leadership remaining a contributor to program success.
• Over 80% of respondents reported that their APPs work in the ambulatory setting.
• Most programs describe APPs as working in specialty care, with 83% utilizing APPs in their HF programs or to provide HF care.

“With the current strain on the physician cardiology workforce and most programs experiencing access challenges, a team-based care model continues to improve capacity while ensuring access,” said Biesbrock. “However, the way the team is established and put into action is highly variable with ongoing questions related to the APP role, capacity, workload expectations, etc. With APPs being the second most expensive human resource in the organization, it is critical to thoughtfully utilize your APPs’ skills.”

The 2023 report includes 2022 data that forms the foundation for solutions to challenges ranging from cardiovascular workforce shortages, team-based care liability, and the recent 2024 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule on split-shared billing. It also features a special section on the expanded role of APPs in heart failure clinics.

The full report is available here.

About MedAxiom

MedAxiom, an American College of Cardiology Company, is the cardiovascular community’s premier source for organizational performance solutions.MedAxiom is transforming cardiovascular care by combining the knowledge and power of hundreds of cardiovascular organization members, thousands of administrators, clinicians and revenue cycle experts, and dozens of industry partners. Through the delivery of proprietary tools, smart data and proven strategies, MedAxiom helps cardiovascular organizations achieve the Quadruple Aim of better outcomes, lower costs, improved patient experience and improved clinician experience. For additional information, visit MedAxiom.com.