If we don't do them, who will? The certification is about $800 I think. Will np's and pa 's be able to be certified for a lower price? .
Well, I went to the link and it does say that NPs and PAs will be able to be certified to do the exams. I think that's what they are aiming for...the midlevels who may be willing to do it and assuming that they will charge less. Or be willing to be reimbursed less if it is a reimbursable item from insurance. I am unfamiliar with the DOT exams, but this is what is sounds like. There is also the issue of perhaps some examiners just "rubber stamping" people. There were a couple of comments from Drs who mentioned people they knew they would not certify due to medical conditions who were certified by someone else. It was also implied that most doctors doing this exam would know of cases of this.
But I really don't think they believe you need a course to learn how to do this properly. The requirements are on the form. I think that they do not wish to say the real reason for this. I it may very well be because of the "rubber stamping." If the see or forsee a problem, bureaucracies tend to only think of "more regulation!"
