[NPInfo] California PAs info from http://www.medbd.ca.gov/

[Thiem]

If you have questions ask the physician? 

I hope some of the California PAs help rectify the information in this brochure/site.

Laura, NP, Missouri
np at c-zone.net wrote: http://www.physicianassistant.ca.gov/publications/what_is.htm
http://www.medbd.ca.gov/

What Is A Physician Assistant?

Today you may be seeing a physician assistant. Physician assistants
provide high quality health care services to patients and to the
community. We hope this brochure will answer any questions you may have.
If you should have further questions ask the physician.

Q. What is a Physician Assistant?
A. A physician assistant, or PA, is a licensed and highly skilled health
care professional, trained to provide patient evaluation, education, and
health care services. A PA works with a physician to provide medical care
and guidance needed by a patient.

Q. What are the training requirements to become a PA?
A. A PA must attend a specialized medical training program associated with
a medical school that includes classroom studies and clinical experience.
An Academic degree and/or certificate is awarded upon graduation. Many PAs
have two or four-year academic degrees before entering a PA training
program. Prior health care experience is required by most PA training
programs.

Q. Is a PA licensed by the State of California?
A. Yes. To practice in California, each PA must pass a rigorous national
examination before being licensed by the Physician Assistant Committee,
which is part of the California Department of Consumer Affairs' Medical
Board of California.

Q. What additional duties does the Physician Assistant Committee perform?
A. The Physician Assistant Committee is responsible for consumer
protection, making recommendations about the scope of practice of PAs, and
providing information about PAs to the health care community and others.

Q. What types of services are provided by a PA?
A. A PA performs many diagnostic, preventative, and health maintenance
services. These services include, but are not limited to, the following
list.
Taking health histories

Performing physical examinations

Ordering X-rays and laboratory tests

Performing routine diagnostic tests

Establishing diagnoses

Treating and managing patient health problems

Administering immunizations and injections

Instructing and counseling patients

Providing continuing care to patients in the home, hospital, or extended
care facility

Providing referrals within the health care system

Performing minor surgery

Providing preventative health care services

Acting as first or second assistants during surgery

Responding to life-threatening emergencies
Q. How does a PA work with their supervising physicians?
A. Each PA must be supervised by a physician. The physician supervises the
PA either when both are at the same location or by telephone. The
supervising physician must always be available to the PA should the need
arise. The supervising physician is responsible for following each
patient's progress.

Q. Is there any difference in fees charged by a PA and a physician for the
same service?
A. In many medical offices the charges are the same regardless of which
health care provider is seen. As a general rule, the PA spends a great
deal of time with patients. A PA emphasizes primary care and patient
education, which may reduce the number of return visits.

Q. Is a PA covered by malpractice insurance?
A. Yes. Generally the PA works under the insurance policy of the employing
physician or health facility. PAs may also carry their own malpractice
insurance.

Q. Do most insurance policies cover care provided by a PA?
A. Yes, most do. Some carriers bill for the PA directly, while others bill
through the supervising physician. All reimbursements for Medi-Cal usually
are made through the supervising physician or the employing institution.
Medi-Care reimburses for services provided by the PA in hospitals and
skilled nursing facilities, in addition to primary care services.

For more information about physician assistants, a specific physician
assistant, licensing requirements, or to file a complaint, contact:

Physician Assistant Committee
1424 Howe Avenue, Suite 35
Sacramento, CA 95825-3237
(800) 555-8038
(916) 263-2323
E-Mail: pacommittee at mbc.ca.gov


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