Can we trust a physician assistant in terms of diagnosis and treatment?

Question

What kind of degree does a physician assistant have? Bachelor's or master's or even higher that equals an MD's degree? Can we trust a physician assistant in terms of diagnosis and treatment? My physician is always hurrying to next patients and never has time to listen to me which makes me really uncomfortable. But her PA will listen and spend enough time with me and this PA seems to be knowledgeable as well.

Answer 1

I hope so, I've been in practice as a PA since 1981. There are good ones as well as bad ones, just like the MD's. I would like to think that I can spend more time with the patient, answer questions using easier to understand language, and do it all more inexpensive than the MD's. The more complex problems should be seen by the MD's and DO's. That is better overall, for all patients.
Most programs are Master's level. I had a BS, with a two year residency (Master's Level) I maintain National Certification every 2 years, with a National Recertification exam every 6 years.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

A physician assistant may have a master's, bachelor's, or even an associate degree, depending on which kind of program they went to. Either way, all PA's have to take the same certification exam. What you have described about your physician's PA is typical of PA's...they are usually more focused on the patient as a person and lots of people feel very comfortable dealing with them. Physician assistants actually take courses alongside medical students in many programs, and they always have to work under the supervision of a doctor....so yes, you can trust PA's in terms of diagnosis and treatment.

Answer 4

Yes I think you can trust them... most physicians are consulted by the PA when there is a question about diagnosis.... If you feel the need to see the Doctor then ask for an appt to see him/her

Answer 5

They have a masters degree and are very knowledgable. I used to use a PA all the time and miss her dearly since we had to change HMO's. She was friendly, insightful and knew my history and was therefore on top of all of my medical problems. If you like the PA by all means use them. Everything they do is covered by the doc that they work for meaning if they screw up the doc has to answer too. No doc would lay his license on the line if he didn't feel the PA was competent.

Answer 6

It just depends on how comfortable you are with yours. i am not very comfortable with my daughters PA. She made her sicker twice. So, I will only make an appt to actually see the DOC The PA with my neurologist I trust. But she only does the physical and check ups, the DOC does all the seizure stuff on me with my meds.

Answer 7

yes by all means. i work for a 4 dr gyn/ob office and we have a pa, and she is awesome. we see her for everything. her schedule is not as heavy as one of the drs so she does have more time to spend with us. she has even seen my child for me. her residency was done in each field in a hospital so she can cover them all. i think if you give the pa a chance you'll find that you really do like seeing them.

Answer 8

For more information regarding the physician assistant, you should go to this website located at http://www.PhysicianAssistant.Net

Answer 9

pa's that are prior military are better trained and have been providing health care longer than most doctors. many doctors are in it for the money where pa's do it because they enjoy their jobs and find it rewarding. pa degrees are BA in science but have usually 10-15 years prior to that in direct health care

Answer 10

i f you r doctor doens't have time for you then its best to find someone else. PA well i don't care too much for them i am not sure what they do have but i know they always have to check with the doctor before giving you stuff and i think that is what i hate so therefore my insurance says pay for doctor and that is my rule.