Direct third-party reimbursement for nursing.

Research data gathered during the last 10 years indicates that nurses and nurse practitioners practice in a safe, cost-effective manner. However, due to the lack of direct third-party reimbursement, nurses have been unable to directly impact the marketplace and demonstrate their fiscal credibility. Increasing client access to affordable health care is the primary reason that nurses and nurse practitioners seek direct third-party reimbursement. This article presents an overview of reimbursement for nurses, emphasizing the importance of obtaining direct third-party reimbursement, while explaining traditional insurance programs, current reimbursement policies, obstacles that must be overcome, and the out-look for the future.