Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are healthcare professionals who have obtained advanced education and clinical training, allowing them to provide comprehensive patient care. This group typically includes nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs). APPs often work autonomously or in collaboration with physicians, diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medications, interpreting diagnostic tests, and managing overall patient care across a variety of healthcare settings, contributing significantly to the delivery of high-quality and accessible healthcare services.

Advanced Practice Providers in dermatology diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical and surgical conditions. Building on their primary care background, APPs are trained in dermatology in a variety of ways. Most APPs working in dermatology are trained by their supervising dermatologist and together they decide the practice style, supervision arrangements and delegation of services appropriate for their practice. Most APPs work independently within a dermatology office and see a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic patients similar to a staff dermatologist. APPs, however, are always supervised directly by a dermatologist. APPs get additional training through their required CME hours, attendance at academy meetings/ medical conferences, dermatology grand rounds and self-study courses. Some APPs hold a master’s degree in studies with a concentration in dermatology. Some are dermatology clinical preceptors to family practice residents.

Advanced Practice Providers operate under the supervision of a physician, practicing medicine collaboratively within a collegial relationship. This team-based approach enhances patient care quality, allowing for the utilization of each member’s expertise. The services provided by the APP are determined by their supervising physician, based on the APP’s knowledge, training, and skills. APPs assist dermatologists in reducing waiting times for appointments and enable dermatologists to dedicate more time to complex patients.