I do not think that quality of care should be a point of concern. Conversely, by having the knowledge and experience of two individuals, it may be less likely for there to be oversight. Additionally, by sharing the patient load, the physician is likely to be less stressed and be better able to provide consultant services. Dr. Lema s other comment concerns Medicare billing to PAs. It should be noted that the medical practice bills for AAs are reimbursed for PA services.
PAs are no threat to the quality of medical care.
They are colleagues who cannot practice without physician supervision. With supervision, they provide the highest quality of care to more of the patients whose lives are entrusted to us. Over three decades of experience show that the team concept works. Technology has changed, our whining has not. In my first practice in 1961, a labor official on the hospital board told me that doctors responses to challenges are predictable and easily manageable.