APPs give patients more time and partner with physicians to deliver quality care

MONTROSE, Colo. (September 26, 2025) – Advanced practice providers (APPs) have long been part of care at Montrose Regional Health (MRH), and their impact continues to grow. These highly trained professionals include physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners (NPs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs). They partner with physicians to improve access, spend more time with patients, and support high-quality care across the community.

A key difference between APPs and physicians is their day-to-day clinic availability. Physicians often spend more time performing specialized procedures and surgeries, which can limit how often they are available in clinic. APPs are typically available five days a week, giving patients more consistent access to care.

APPs play a vital role in MRH clinics by managing common health concerns, providing follow-up care and helping reduce physician workload. Both APPs and physicians undergo extensive medical education and clinical training. APPs complete a health care-related bachelor’s degree, followed by two to four years of graduate education, earning at least a master’s degree and sometimes a doctorate. Physicians complete four years of medical school after their undergraduate studies, then three to seven years of residency training to prepare for advanced procedures and surgeries.

APPs are integrated into many MRH specialty clinics to expand access and strengthen patient care. Physician assistants and nurse practitioners work alongside physicians at the Alpine Women’s Centre, Cardiology Clinic, Digestive Health Center, Pulmonology Clinic and Spine & Pain Center. At the Family Center, four full-time certified nurse midwives provide comprehensive, around-the-clock maternity care.

Although their training differs, both APPs and physicians are highly qualified to care for patients and work together to provide timely, safe and effective treatment. By making APPs an essential part of its clinical teams, Montrose Regional Health ensures patients have consistent access, stronger continuity of care and high-quality services close to home. Patients are encouraged to schedule an appointment with an advanced practice provider today to experience the value of this team-based approach.

For more information and to hear directly from some of MRH advanced practice providers, watch the video at https://bit.ly/MRH-APP or visit montrosehealth.com.

About Montrose Regional Health (MontroseHealth.com)

Montrose Regional Health (MRH) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale, and San Juan counties. Licensed for 75 beds, MRH offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory services, medical imaging, Mountain View Therapy, a Level III Trauma Center, an Acute Rehabilitation Unit, a Spine and Pain Center, advanced respiratory and pulmonary care, and a family birthing center. Known for adopting advanced technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery and UVC disinfection, MRH is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 850 employees and 100 providers representing 27 medical specialties. MRH is recognized for its warm, personalized care and lives its tagline: “Caring for you like family.”

Photo caption: Montrose Regional Health hosts another successful Health Fair event for 2025