Frequently Asked Questions About Physician Assistants
Physician Assistants provide high quality health care services in our
community. We hope this information will answer any questions you may
have. If you should have further questions, please ask the physician.
Education/Training
How
Does a PA Function?
Is a PA licensed by the
State of California?
Is there any difference in fees charged by a PA and a Physician?
What does the -C stand for in
PA-C?
More Information About PAs
Certified Physician Assistants (PA-C) are medical providers formally trained
in primary care, graduating from one of over 130 accredited academic training
programs in the U.S.
Many become subspecialized in areas like dermatology. Typical
backgrounds of PA students include nursing, EMT, med-tech, paramedic, etc.
To remain nationally certified, they must complete 100 hours of Continuing
Medical Education (CME) every 2 years, and pass a national recertification exam
every 6 years. While over half remain in primary care, the rest can be
found in every medical and surgical specialty, including dermatology.
As with all Physician Assistants, dermatology PAs are legally and ethically
bound to practice only under the supervision of their employing physician, never
in competition with them. Physician Assistants have been practicing with
dermatologists for 30 years. They are allowed to see patients
independently, diagnose, order and interpret lab tests, prescribe medicines, and
provide medical or surgical treatment of a wide variety of clinical pathology.
In this practice all treatment plans are reviewed by the supervising
dermatologist and initial visits usually include a visit by the dermatologist.
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 Medical Board of California.
In many medical offices the charges are the same regardless of which
healthcare provider is seen. As a general rule, the PA spends a great deal
of time with their patients. A PA emphasizes preventative care and patient
education, which may reduce the number of return visits. Some insurance
companies require that the services by a Physician Assistant be billed under the
supervising dermatologist name. All treatment plans are reviewed and
approved by the supervising dermatologist.
Certified; Meaning that the Physician Assistant has passed a National
Certifying exam given by the National Commission
on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA).
California Academy of Physician
Assistants
3100 W. Warner Ave, Suite 3
Santa Ana, CA 92704-5331
American Academy of Physician Assistants
950 North Washington Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants
PO Box 701461
San Antonio, TX 78270
American Association of Surgical Physician Assistants
PMB 201 4267 NW Federal Highway
Jensen Beach, FL 34957
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