PA/NP FAQ

What are the advantages of working with a large medical group?

CEP promotes long-term and satisfying work opportunities for its high quality PA/NPs. In fact, the very first PA hired by CEP in 1985 is still working at a CEP client site. PA/NPs enjoy the networking advantages and resources of a large, nationwide group while practicing at local sites that largely function autonomously. CEP providers interact and share proven solutions with colleagues from similar practice situations and, at the same time, become integral parts of their own local communities and hospital teams.

How is the PA/NP program structured at CEP?

The PA/NP program is structured as an employee model. By law, only physicians can be Partners in CEP.

How does CEP utilize PA/NPs in the practices?

CEP utilizes PA/NPs in many different settings including Main ED, Fast Track, Rapid Medical Evaluation (RME) areas, and Ambulatory/Urgent Care settings. Our goal is to allow PA/NPs to function at an optimal level that ensures the best in patient care.

What kind of benefits does CEP offer our PA/NPs?

What are some of the ways PA/NPs are involved in the Partnership?

CEP leadership is committed to the integration of PA/NPs. For instance, PAs and NPs are currently involved in Partnership Wellness initiatives and, as part of a 2006 management initiative, Medical Directors are encouraged to include PAs and NPs in monthly site staff meetings.

CEP also invites PA/NPs to our annual Partnership Meeting and Regional Meetings. At these events, CEP sponsors a special track for mid-level providers, featuring guest speakers, workshops, and round table discussions. In addition, PA/NPs are included in physician group lectures to promote better understanding of the organization and are given the opportunity to complete CME courses. CEP also uses the annual Partnership Meeting as a chance to formally recognize providers, announcing employee service awards and performance-based achievement awards alongside the physician and site awards.

How are PA/NPs represented in the CEP model and what leadership opportunities within the Partnership are available for PA/NPs?

CEP has created both Lead and Liaison PA/NP positions to ensure that PA/NPs are properly represented in the group.

Lead
CEP hosts quarterly conference calls with the Lead PA/NP from each site to exchange information, and a small group of particularly active Leads meets periodically as a Lead Advisory Group to discuss further PA/NP program enhancements with the Vice President of Operations and MedAmerica staff. To build the PA/NP infrastructure and instill a sense of belonging to the organization, CEP now hosts a Lead PA/NP Academy to teach leadership skills and is creating a Regional Lead PA/NP position, as well as a MD-PA/NP relationship program.

Liaison
Cyndy Flores, PA-C, is our current Liaison and has been a physician assistant for 15 years, working with CEP for the past 9 years. The Liaison position was introduced as an advisory role to increase communication and recommend changes to enhance the PA/NP program. The role has evolved and grown along with the PA/NP program within CEP. The Liaison works with the PA/NPs, Medical Directors, Regional Directors, MedAmerica, and MedAmerica Mutual.

What are the professional reimbursement benefits for a CEP PA/NP?

CEP offers reimbursement for CME courses to regular full-time employees with six months of service. The reimbursement maximum is $1,000 in the calendar year for tuition, meals, lodging, and travel expenses associated with CME courses. Professional reimbursement benefits also cover medical staff dues and ACLS/PALS certifications for sites that require them.