A physician assistant is an individual who is formally trained to practice medicine under the supervision of a physician or surgeon. They provide diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive health care services under the guidance and direction of the physician or surgeon. They are not to be confused with a medical assistant who perform the clinical and clerical tasks, physician assistants work primarily with the patient in a more advanced setting.
Physician assistants are recognized as a member of the health care team and often participate in examination and treatments of patient’s; they evaluate medical histories and order and analysis lab tests and x-rays. They are allowed to make diagnoses of patients and also treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting and casting. A physician assistant is also responsible for keeping accurate progress notes in regards to a patients’ medical condition. They also instruct and counsel patients and request and treat those who are in need of therapy and rehabilitation.
In addition to the medical tasks, a physician assistant may also be responsible for menial clerical tasks. In some offices or hospitals it may be necessary for them to order medical supplies and equipment. Depending on a specific level of education and responsibility, some physician assistants are also asked to supervise the instruction of technicians and other assistants. In 48 states, the laws also allow physician assistants to prescribe medications. This may also result in additional duties that are in the job description.
While many physician assistants work primarily in hospitals and clinics under the supervision of physicians and surgeons, some become the primary care provider to rural or inner city clinics that are unable to support a physician full-time. The physician assistant will work in conjunction with the attending physician on an as needed basis and while also adhering to state and local laws and regulations. In some situations it may also become necessary for the physician assistant to make house calls or perform regular rounds to maintain the care of patients. Some nursing homes also require regular visits from a physician assistant to check up on the progress of patients in between their scheduled doctor appointments to the physician.
It is also possible for a physician assistant to work in a specialized field. These fields may include internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine. In the operating room, many physician assistants work in providing preoperative and postoperative care and some may work as first or second assistants to the surgeon.
