To effectively control your health and well-being, you must have access to the right healthcare professionals. Recently, physician assistants (PAs) have become more important in the healthcare field. PAs offer a lot of different services, which makes them a great choice to solve a lot of different medical problems. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best reasons why you should see a physician assistant instead of a regular doctor for your health problems. Also, what does a physician assistant do on a daily basis, and how are they beneficial for patients?
Who is a Physician Assistant?
A physician assistant is a licensed medical worker who has gone through a lot of practical training and is nationally certified. As part of a team of doctors, he or she is qualified to find, decrease, and treat health problems. PAs can work and write prescriptions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and all US regions except Puerto Rico.
What Exactly Do They Offer in Terms of Services?
The exact duties of a PA depend on where he or she works, state rules, specialties, and level of expertise. However, the AAPA website says that personal assistants can:
- Recognize the patient’s medical background.
- Perform examinations on the body.
- Recognize and treat medical conditions.
- Perform diagnostics.
- Make plans for treatments.
- Give people advice on how to stay healthy.
- surgery assistance.
- Prescribe medication.
- Visit sick and elderly people in care facilities.
What Kind of Training Do PAs Get?
They have extensive medical training and offer the same services as doctors.
Before applying to PA programs, they take the same basic and behavioral science classes that medical school students take. Most programs last for 26 months (or three academic years). Students additionally require three years of experience in health care and study anatomy, pharmacology, physiology, and more.
PAs must also finish a course of study and have more than 2,000 hours (about 2 and a half months) of clinical experience in:
- Family health care
- Inner healing
- Gynecology and obstetrics
- Child health
- Normal surgery
- EM stands for emergency medicine
- Mental health
Physician Assistants must also pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and get a license from their state to work. PAs must do 100 hours (about 4 days) of continuing medical education (CME) every two years and take a recertification test every 10 years to keep their certification (the letters “PA-C ‘ after their names show that they are certified).
Reasons Why You Should Visit a Physician Assistant
Here are some reasons why visiting a physician assistant for your healthcare needs is a good idea:
Discover Health Problems Early
Routine screenings can find some signs of health problems before they get worse. But your primary care doctor also knows you well enough to ask the right questions and find other health problems when they are still mild.
Access To General Healthcare
In many parts of the country, it might be hard to find a primary care provider. PAs fill this need by making health care easier for people to get. They can help with a wide range of medical problems, from flu symptoms to long-term illnesses. This means you can get care quickly without having to wait a long time.
A Holistic Way to Treat Medical Conditions
PAs take a more holistic perspective while caring for patients. They don’t just focus on getting rid of specific symptoms; they also think about your overall health, the way you live, and any possible risks. Because of this comprehensive viewpoint, the care provided is more comprehensive and efficient.
Better Communication Between Doctors and Patients
Communication should go both ways when it comes to something as important as your health. You must tell your doctor what you want, what you need, and what worries you about your health if you want them to be taken care of properly. In the same way, your primary care doctor should feel comfortable having open and honest conversations with you about their worries and thoughts about your health.
Less Time Spent in Hospitals and Emergency Rooms
Research shows that people who see their primary care doctors regularly go to the hospital and the emergency room less often than people who don’t see their primary care doctors. If you wait too long to see a doctor or don’t pay attention to your symptoms, you could end up in the hospital or an ER. These are two of the most expensive and stressful outcomes for patients.
Highly Educated PAs
PAs attend competitive two- to three-year programs after getting their bachelor’s degree. They learn about every field and have the same schedule as medical students. PAs go to school in more than one field, so they are skilled in more than one area. For a physician assistant, that entails understanding orthopedics, neurology, cardiology, and more and being fluent in healthcare. When you go to Ortho Carolina to see a PA, you will find that they have been trained in all kinds of medical care, not just orthopedics.
Appointments at Convenient Times
It is common for physician assistants to have more flexible schedules than doctors, which means that you will be able to make appointments that are more convenient for you. This is especially helpful and important when it comes to medical needs that are not life-threatening but still need to be taken care of quickly.
Final Thoughts
Physician assistants (PAs) are great at making decisions about health care. Their ability to be reached, their knowledge, and the way they talk to patients make them a good choice for a variety of medical needs. PAs offer full care, whether you need general care, help from an expert, or a partnership that listens to what you have to say.
Discover the latest healthcare jobs near you that can help you take better care of your health. The healthcare business is growing, and people who want to help people have a lot of chances to do so. By keeping up with healthcare job openings, you can take charge of your health and start a satisfying career helping others. Whether you choose PA care or a healthcare job, focus on the present to build a healthier and more purposeful future.
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