Would you see a physician assistant?

Answer 1

I would not unless an emergency.
#1 The last time I did I was misdiagosed and paid for $100 prescription that made it worse
#2 My ins would not cover the visit

Answer 2

While I do think for basic nursing care they are ok, I would never allow a PA to diagnose me or a family member. They just do not posses the education, training, expirience of a seasoned doctor. More than once I and my daughter have been misdiagnosed by a physician's assistant, prescribed the wrong meds by one. This was due to a doc who was over booked with patients and handed his caseload to that physician's assistant. Luckily we were ok as our docs caught the mistakes. I hate to say it but a PA is nothing more than a glorified nurse.
Given how many symptoms can mask or mimic other more serious ones, its too easy for an untrained PA to make a dire misdiagnosis. It happens all the time. They have no idea how certain meds will react in people, what side effects many cause, and if they get a particularly tough patient, one who is highly alergic to certain things, the consequences of thier carelessness could be deadly. With the high cost of medical care a patient should be able to see a doctor, not have to rely on a physicians assistant.

Answer 3

I have been seen by physician assistants my entire life. My father was in the military and I grew up with and into the military medicine system. I have seen bad doctors and bad PA's. I have also been cared for by excellent Dr's, PA's and Nurse Practioners. I PREFER seeing a PA or NP because I think there is a level of personal contact you don't get from Docs any more.
Also, in response tothe guy that said "I'd rather see an NP because they have master's degrees".. Geez, SO DO MOST PA's!!! ALso, you do NOT have to have a degree already to go to PA school. What is the difference between PAs and NP's.. Not much, a little in background. PA school is more intensive in frank clinical education while NP's are more versed in patient education. Niether is better, but an integral cog in the healthcare wheel.

Answer 4

Yes, absolutely. There are bad examples in every profession - you could end up seeing incompetent doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. It has been my experience that NPs and PAs are allowed more time with each patient. This gives you a better chance to talk with your caregiver and try to tell if you got a competent one. Like with any healthcare professional, the trick is to not leave until all of your questions have been answered in a way that you understand.

Answer 5

Physician assistants aren't as trained as doctors. Here's a story for you:

A patient went to the doctor, but saw the PA (physician assistant). The patient asks the PA, this mole looks odd, is it cancer?

The PA says no, of course not.

At another time, the patient sees a doctor and the doctor said, yes, of course that's cancerous. It had to be further checked, but yes, it was cancer.

It is dangerous to your help not seeing a doctor.

Answer 6

That depends on what I was going in for. If I just need some antibiotic, I would. At the University, that is all they have most of the times. I have seen one for my annual well woman exam as well. They are not allowed to do things on their own, unless they have been supervised doing it in the past and allowed by the attending doctor to do it alone.

I don't think a medical exam proves anything, but experience does. That is how it use to be in the cowboy days, passed down to an apprentice.

Answer 7

Absolutely, they are the Dr.s right hand and many are more willing to follow you with a preventative program. Not to mention the lower cost to you. My entire family see's Physicians assistants and Nurse practitioners. We are in the health care field our selves.

Answer 8

The average PA is not more educated than an MD but can be just as competent in the delivery of health care. Of course I'd see a PA if given the option. But my first choice will always be an NP.

Answer 9

It depends... I have seen PAs in the past, and had satisfactory results, but when I was in the military, I was misdiagnosed by a PA, and the doctor at the emergency room told me that if I had taken the whole dosage that the PA had prescribed, I would have been in the MORGUE instead of the emergency room.....

I would NEVER see that PA again.... even if I had a sucking chest wound, and he had the last sucking chest wound patch and the last vial of morphine in the world... I would prefer an excruciatingly painful prolonged death than see him again....

Answer 10

yes, I would gladly see an assistant especially if the cost was less or no cost. At present even if you see an assistant the fee is the same as the doctor. I don't think this is right.