On a busy day, have you ever thought, “I wish there were two of me”? Over the last twenty years many doctors have managed that feat, at least for billing purposes. They do it with physician extenders. Physician extender is an umbrella term that refers to the trained ancillary personnel who help doctors and surgeons care for patients, including nurse-practitioners, surgical technicians, physician assistants, and midwives. In many countries they practice independently, but in most of the United States, according to law, they typically work under the auspices of an MD.
