The landscape of gastrointestinal care is changing. Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are no longer simply assisting—they’re leading. They conduct initial assessments, manage chronic GI conditions, order diagnostic tests, and guide treatment decisions. In many practices, especially in rural or underserved areas, NPs and PAs serve as the primary point of contact for patients with complex digestive symptoms.
This expanded responsibility requires more than clinical expertise—it requires access to diagnostic tools that support timely, evidence-based decision-making. Tools that fit into real-world workflows. Tools that don’t add administrative burden or create access barriers for patients.
At Cairn Diagnostics, we believe that empowering NPs and PAs in GI diagnostics strengthens the entire care continuum—improving access, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
NPs and PAs as First-Line Evaluators
In many GI practices, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are the clinicians who first encounter patients with unexplained nausea, vomiting, bloating, or early satiety. They take histories, perform physical exams, order initial labs, and begin the diagnostic process. According to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, NPs deliver high-quality, cost-effective care across all healthcare settings, often serving populations with limited access to specialists.
This front-line role is critical—but it also means NPs and PAs need access to the same diagnostic tools that gastroenterologists rely on. Early access to accurate diagnostics supports better clinical decision-making and prevents unnecessary delays in diagnosis and treatment.
When an NP or PA suspects gastroparesis, they shouldn’t have to wait weeks for a specialist referral or nuclear medicine appointment to move forward. They should be able to order a gastric emptying study directly, receive results quickly, and adjust the care plan accordingly.
The Gastric Emptying Breath Test (GEBT) makes this possible. It’s FDA-approved, guideline-recommended, and designed for use across all practice settings—including those led by NPs and PAs.
Reducing Access Barriers in GI Testing
One of the biggest challenges NPs and PAs face is access. Not every community has a nuclear medicine facility. Not every patient can travel hours for a single diagnostic test. Traditional gastric emptying scintigraphy requires specialized equipment, scheduling coordination, and in-person facility visits—creating bottlenecks that delay diagnosis and frustrate both providers and patients.
The American Gastroenterological Association recognizes that diagnostic delays can lead to prolonged symptoms, unnecessary treatments, and reduced quality of life. For NPs and PAs managing high patient volumes, these delays also mean more follow-up visits, more phone calls, and more time spent navigating referral logistics.
Flexible testing models can change this. GEBT is a non-radioactive, at-home test that eliminates the need for nuclear medicine facilities. Patients complete the test at home with telehealth support, and results are returned in approximately 3 business days. There’s no imaging, no radiation, and no facility visit required.
This removes geography as a barrier and puts diagnostic clarity within reach—regardless of where the patient lives or which type of provider is managing their care.
Streamlined Workflows for Busy Practices
NPs and PAs work in protocol-driven, high-volume environments. They see back-to-back patients, manage complex caseloads, and coordinate care across multiple specialties. Diagnostic tools must fit seamlessly into these workflows—not add complexity.
GEBT was designed with this in mind. The test is straightforward to order, easy to explain to patients, and requires minimal practice resources. There’s no need for in-office procedures, no equipment to maintain, and no staff training on specialized protocols.
What does the workflow look like?
The NP or PA identifies a patient with suspected gastroparesis, orders GEBT through Cairn Diagnostics, and the test kit is shipped directly to the patient’s home. The patient completes the test with telehealth support, ships samples back to our CLIA-certified lab, and results are delivered to the ordering provider within approximately 3 business days. The provider reviews results and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly.
Simple, efficient, and effective.
This streamlined approach supports adoption and consistent use—allowing NPs and PAs to confidently order gastric emptying studies without hesitation or logistical burden.
Minimizing Administrative Complexity
One of the most common concerns NPs and PAs express is administrative complexity. Will insurance cover this? Do I need prior authorization? What if the claim is denied? Who handles billing questions from patients?
These concerns are valid and they can create hesitation to order tests, even when clinically indicated. Providers shouldn’t have to choose between doing what’s right for the patient and managing administrative risk.
GEBT has a unique CPT code (0106U) and is covered by Medicare and an increasing number of commercial payers. But more importantly, Cairn Diagnostics handles all billing and appeals. We work directly with payers, and provide transparent communication with patients about coverage.
No out-of-pocket surprises for patients. Less administrative burden means NPs and PAs can focus on what they do best—caring for patients.
This operational support is part of our commitment to making diagnostic testing accessible and straightforward for all providers, regardless of practice size or setting.
Supporting the Future of GI Diagnostics
The future of GI care isn’t just about new treatments—it’s about access. It’s about ensuring that every patient, regardless of where they live or which provider they see, has access to accurate, timely diagnosis.
NPs and PAs are central to that future. They bring clinical expertise, patient-centered care, and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. When we equip them with the right diagnostic tools—tools that are accessible, efficient, and backed by evidence—we strengthen the entire healthcare system.
At Cairn Diagnostics, we’re proud to support NP- and PA-led GI diagnostics. GEBT is designed to fit into your practice, support your clinical decision-making, and reduce barriers for your patients.
With every test we process and every provider we support, we aim to be a reliable marker on the journey toward better care.
Ready to Support NP- and PA-Led GI Diagnostics?
If you’re a nurse practitioner or physician assistant looking to integrate modern diagnostic solutions into your practice, we’d love to connect.
Contact us to learn how GEBT can support your clinical goals, streamline your workflows, and empower you to deliver timely, evidence-based care. Let’s work together to advance GI diagnostics—one provider, one patient, and one answer at a time.
