When you get a checkup, or see any healthcare provider (HCP), you may see a physician assistant (PA).
You might be wondering why you’re not seeing a “doctor,” and that’s a good question. PAs are licensed HCPs that work in every medical and surgical setting across the U.S.
PAs can diagnose and treat health conditions, similar to physicians, but most state laws require PAs to work with a physician. This means a physician, a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or a doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) must oversee or supervise patient care with the PA.
Here’s what you need to know about PAs and how they fit into your care team.
What is a physician assistant?
Physician assistants are licensed and trained HCPs that deal with patients directly. PAs provide preventive healthcare and can diagnose and treat health conditions and injuries. Overall, PAs have general medical training, which means they can manage a wide range of conditions.
Most PAs work as partners with HCPs in various health-related facilities. These can include:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Private practices
- Nursing homes
- Community health centers
- Retail clinics
Is a PA a doctor?
No. A PA is not a doctor. But PAs can help manage your health and do many of the same things an HCP does. The big difference between PAs and physicians is the amount of time they spend in school and training. A physician assistant degree is a master’s level degree and usually requires around three years of education in addition to an undergraduate degree. Medical school ranges from seven to 12 years after undergraduate school. PAs log fewer hours than physicians overall but still have the education and skills to diagnose and treat health conditions.
What does a PA do?
The responsibilities of a PA can vary based on a few different factors. The level of experience, state laws and working environment — including the physician working with the PA — can determine what a PA does. Depending on the situation, a PA’s responsibilities can include:
- Taking medical histories
- Performing exams
- Ordering tests
- Explaining test results
- Diagnosing health conditions
- Developing treatment plans
- Prescribing medicine
- Performing procedures
- Assisting in surgery
Why do people go to a PA?
The concept of a PA started back in the 1960s as a way for providers to meet patient demand during physician shortages. Today, many factors contribute to patient demand in addition to a shortage of physicians. The lack of access to quality healthcare is a serious problem for many people in the U.S. — especially for people of color and people who live in rural areas.
This is where PAs can help fill the void and why PAs are in demand. In addition to general medicine, PAs can work with specialists in many different medical fields. These can include:
- Cardiology
- Emergency medicine
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Pediatrics
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Radiology
Can PAs prescribe medication?
Yes. PAs can prescribe medication and develop treatment plans based on your healthcare needs. State laws determine what medications PAs can prescribe. For example, PAs in Kentucky can prescribe non-controlled substances but not controlled substances.
Nurse practitioner vs. physician assistant
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and PAs have similar jobs, but their responsibilities can vary based on many factors, including state laws and training. Both require at least a master’s degree, but NPs are trained to work in specific areas like women’s health or pediatrics. PAs are trained using a medical model, similar to physicians, to deal with more general health conditions. Also, most NPs in the U.S. can see patients without working with a physician, but most PAs have to work with a physician in order to practice medicine.
How does a PA fit in my healthcare team?
Think of a PA as your go-to person for the healthcare support you need, just like a physician. PAs can manage your treatment plan, prescribe and refill medications, and keep track of your overall well-being and health. In many cases, you will only see your PA, who will work with a physician to maintain a healthcare plan that works for you. PAs can also connect you to other HCPs if you need a specialist.
Bottom line: PAs are HCPs that can diagnose and treat conditions.
This educational resource was created with support from Pfizer, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.