| The Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology / Head & Neck Surgery |
| Frequently Asked Questions Download Issue Brief, PA's in Otolaryngology What is a Physician Assistant or PA? The Physician Assistant or PA is a skilled person, qualified by rigorous academic and extensive clinical training , to provide services to patients with the supervision of a licensed physician. A PA is graduate of a competency based medical program accredited by an independent organization supported by the American Medical Association , the American Academy of Physician Assistants, and other national organizations. PA's are part of the "Physician-PA Team" and together, they are dedicated to your health and well-being. How will physicians be reimbursed for PA services? PAs are providers with Medicare and Medicaid, and are reimbursed at 85% of the supervising physician's contracted charges. Many third party carriers also reimburse supervising physicians for PA services. Consult individual health plans and state regulations for details. What can a PA do? The tasks Physician Assistants perform depends on their practice setting, education, experience, and state laws and regulations. In general, PAs: Perform physical examinations Elicit medical histories Diagnose & treat illnesses and injuries Order & interpret laboratory & radiographic studies Educate & counsel patients Perform minor surgical procedures First Assist in surgery Assist with call Render emergency care Facilitate patient referral to the appropriate physician or agency Conduct research & drug studies In all states PA's prescribe medication “..[is there a] number of cases that are required for certification of the physician assistant for solo performance of different procedures in ENT, e.g., flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy and peritonsillar abscess drainage” There are no state laws or regulations that require a set number of cases. Generally, the number of required cases is determined by each institution, based on accepted standards of medical practice and recommendations from the supervising physician(s). Those physicians are in the best position to directly observe the PA and evaluate the PA’s competence. Sometimes, specialty societies provide guidance as well but in this case, there doesn’t appear to be any from either the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery or the Society of Physician Assistants in Otolaryngology. |
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Reimbursement Issues click here |
