Specific duties are defined by state regulation and practice setting, but include a variety of both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Utilizing a medical model of patient care, PAs are trained to obtain medical histories, perform complete physical examinations and minor surgical procedures, diagnose illnesses, order and interpret routine diagnostic tests, develop treatment and management plans, suture wounds, set fractures and assist in surgery.
PAs also provide education to patients regarding illness, health promotion and disease prevention.
Since its inception over 30 years ago, the physician assistant profession has grown in size, stature and recognition. Demand for PA services is rapidly increasing, making the profession one of the fastest growing health care careers of the 1990s. PAs are now fully integrated into the health care system and are highly valued as medical professionals with a proven record of high quality patient care and efficient and cost effective delivery.