Dynamics of Healthcare Chapter 10 Key terms Study Points+ More

What are the primary responsibilities of a physician assistant (PA)?

PAs provide routine diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services under the supervision of a physician.

What tasks can physician assistants perform?

They can take medical histories, examine patients, order and interpret tests, make preliminary diagnoses, treat minor injuries, record progress notes, and counsel patients.

In which settings do physician assistants typically work?

Hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices.

What specialties can physician assistants work in?

Family practice, internal medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, thoracic surgery, and geriatrics.

What is the requirement for a physician assistant to prescribe medications?

PAs may prescribe medications in all 50 states and the District of Columbia under physician supervision.

What is the employment outlook for physician assistants from 2019 to 2029?

Employment of PAs is expected to grow 31%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What are the educational requirements for becoming a physician assistant?

Programs usually last at least two years in a postgraduate setting, requiring at least two years of college and some healthcare experience.

What examination must physician assistants pass to obtain a license?

The Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

How often must physician assistants complete continuing medical education to remain certified?

Every two years, they must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education.

What is the median annual earnings of physician assistants as of 2019?

$115,390.

What factors can affect the income of physician assistants?

Income varies by specialty, practice setting, geographic location, and years of experience.

What percentage of PAs worked in the office of physicians in 2019?

Around 54%.

What is one reason for the expected growth in PA employment?

Healthcare establishments are increasingly using PAs to contain costs.

What role do physician assistants play in telemedicine?

PAs will expand their use in telemedicine by facilitating interactive consultations with physicians.

What is the significance of supervised clinical training for physician assistants?

Students obtain supervised clinical training in various areas such as family medicine, internal medicine, and surgery.

What is the expected job opportunity trend for physician assistants?

Job opportunities should be good, particularly in rural and inner-city clinics.

What is the role of a supervising physician for PAs?

PAs always work under the supervision of a physician, and the extent of supervision varies by work setting.

What must PAs do to maintain their certification every 10 years?

They must pass a recertification examination or complete an alternative program combining learning experiences and a take-home examination.

What percentage of PAs worked in public or private hospitals in 2019?

About 26%.

Emergency Medicine

A medical specialty in which physicians care for patients with acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention.

Family Practice

A medical practice that provides health care regardless of age or sex while placing emphasis on the family unit.

Geriatrics

Branch of medicine that deals with the problems and diseases of old age and aging people.

Gynecology

A field of specialization that focuses on women's health.

Internal Medicine

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and (nonsurgical) treatment of diseases of the internal organs (especially in adults).

Middle-level Health Workers

Health professionals with skills beyond those of a registered nurse and short of those of a licensed physician.

National Commissions on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)

Agency that offers certification for physician assistants via the PANCE exam.

Pediatrics

Medical care of infants, children, and young adults.

Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)

Examination that graduates of physician assistant training programs must pass to be certified and licensed in their profession.

Primary Care

Health care that focuses on prevention, early detection and treatment that takes general responsibility for individual patients.

Psychiatry

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental and emotional disorders.

Surgery

The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of injury, deformity, and disease by making physical alterations to tissue.

Telemedicine

The use of electronic communications and information technologies to provide or support clinical care at a distance.

What is the primary requirement for admission to physician assistant training programs?

Most applicants have a college degree and some health-related work experience.

What must physician assistants complete to obtain a license?

An accredited education program and pass a national exam.

What is the job outlook for physician assistants?

Employment is projected to grow much faster than average.

In what types of healthcare facilities are job opportunities for physician assistants particularly good?

Rural and inner-city healthcare facilities.

What are the primary duties of a physician assistant?

Provide routine diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services under a physician's supervision.

What tasks can physician assistants perform?

Take medical histories, examine patients, order and interpret tests, make preliminary diagnoses, and treat minor injuries.

Can physician assistants prescribe medications?

Yes, in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

What factors determine the extent of supervision for physician assistants?

The work setting and state laws.

What are the leading medical specialties employing physician assistants?

Family practice, internal medicine, general surgery, emergency medicine, pediatrics, orthopedic surgery, thoracic surgery, and geriatrics.

What is the typical duration of physician assistant education programs?

At least two years in a postgraduate setting.

What are common admission requirements for physician assistant programs?

Two to four years of college and some healthcare experience.

What types of degrees can one earn from completing a physician assistant program?

Master's, bachelor's, associate's degree, or a certificate.

What subjects should aspiring physician assistants study?

Biology, English, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, and social sciences.

What is the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE)?

An exam that all states require PAs to pass to obtain certification.

What credential can physician assistants use after passing the PANCE?

Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C).

How often must physician assistants complete continuing medical education?

100 hours every two years.

What additional qualifications are important for physician assistants?

Desire to serve patients, self-motivation, good bedside manner, emotional stability, and decision-making ability in emergencies.

What are some areas where physician assistants can pursue additional education?

Surgery, neonatology, emergency medicine, and occupational medicine.

What is the expected employment growth rate for physician assistants from 2019 to 2029?

31%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

What role do physician assistants play in cost containment in healthcare?

They are cost-effective and productive members of the healthcare team, relieving physicians of routine duties.

How can telemedicine expand the use of physician assistants?

By facilitating interactive consultations between physicians and physician assistants.

What percentage of physician assistants worked in physicians' offices as of 2019?

About 54%.

What is the role of physician assistants in emergency medicine?

They may work 24-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts each week.

What is the significance of supervised clinical training in physician assistant education?

It provides practical experience in various medical fields and can lead to permanent employment.

What is a common work schedule for physician assistants in clinics?

Usually a 5-day, 40-hour week.

What are some settings where physician assistants may find employment?

Hospitals, academic medical centers, public clinics, and prisons.

What is the importance of understanding state laws for aspiring physician assistants?

Duties and responsibilities are determined by state law and the supervising physician.

What is the job outlook for Physician Assistants (PAs)?

Job opportunities for PAs are expected to be good, especially in rural and inner-city clinics.

What factors contribute to job openings for PAs?

Job openings will arise from employment growth and the need to replace retiring or leaving physician assistants.

In which states are job opportunities for PAs likely to be best?

Opportunities will be best in states that allow PAs a wider scope of practice.

What were the median annual earnings of physician assistants in 2020?

$115,390

What percentage of physician assistants earned less than $76,700 in 2020?

The lowest 10% of physician assistants.

What was the median income for physician assistants in full-time clinical practice in 2019?

$111,000

What was the median bonus for physician assistants who received one?

$5,500

What are some factors that influence a physician assistant's income?

Income varies by specialty, practice setting, geographic location, and years of experience.

What types of fees do employers often cover for physician assistants?

Employers often pay for liability insurance, registration fees, state licensing fees, and credentialing fees.

Name some related occupations that provide direct patient care similar to PAs.

Audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, registered nurses, nurse-midwives, nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and speech-language pathologists.

Where can one find information about a career as a physician assistant?

Contact the American Academy of Physician Assistants Information Center.

What organization provides a list of accredited physician assistant programs?

Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistants.

Who should be contacted for eligibility requirements for the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination?

National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

What is the expected job growth for physician assistants from 2019 to 2029?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects good job growth due to increased demand.

What is the median annual wage for PAs working in outpatient care centers as of May 2020?

$124,610

What is the median annual wage for PAs working in hospitals?

$118,600

What is the median annual wage for PAs working in offices of physicians?

$113,460

What is the median annual wage for PAs working in employment services?

$115,780