What is a Physician’s Assistant?

As a caregiver, you want to make the most educated decision possible, doing all the research and talking to the right people so that you can dowhat’s best for a loved one.

In a perfect world, the doctor-to-patient ratio would be one to one. But, in reality, patients and caregivers don’t need 24/7 attention from a doctor. What you do need, though, is a healthcare professional who is educated, certified and can answer the many questions you may have.

A Physician’s Assistant (PA) fills that role. PAs are licensed to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician, and allow for physicians to see more patients each day (and shorten your wait) and more time for you and your loved one to ask questions during office visits.

Across the United States, there are more than 90,000 certified PAs. These medical professionals can perform a variety duties, often similar to those of a physician, including:

•   Performing physical examinations — PAs are educated in a model similar to medical school, including classroom and clinical learning. They’re required to complete 2,000 hours of clinical rotations. A physical examination by a PA will meet the same standards that a physician is held to.
•   Providing patient education — As PAs offer support and assistance to physicians, they’ll offer patients and caregivers support, too. PAs can offer advice on seeking additional medical treatment and what the best options are for treating your loved one.
•   Ordering and examining lab tests — If a diagnosis can’t be made from a physical examination alone, PAs are certified to take the next step and order lab tests.
•   Assisting in surgery — Surgical PAs, or PAs who have received training to assist with operations, are capable of performing many functions. They can assist in pre- and post-operative care, so that you or your loved one is being taken care of by the same PA throughout a major or minor surgery.
•   Making hospital rounds — If you’re in the hospital, you’re likely to be seen by a PA. A PA is trained to be able to pick up where a physician or medical doctor left off according to your chart, and has time to discuss any new issues or concerns you or a loved one has since being admitted to the hospital.
•   Prescribing medication — PAs are educated in pharmacology as part of their training, so they’re prepared to write prescriptions as needed.

Although PAs are legally under the supervision of a physician, the doctor does not need to be present in the room. The availability and vast knowledge a PA has contributes to the quality of care a patient receives, and to the answers that help caregivers do their best. Many Crossroads Hospice patients have been treated by caring, dedicated PAs prior to entering hospice care, andmany caregivers come prepared with knowledge of what to expect.  The staff at Crossroads is thankful to have PAs as counterparts and fellow healthcare providers.