They also treat minor injuries by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and order or carry out therapy. In most states, physician assistants may prescribe medications. PAs may also have managerial duties. Some order medical and laboratory supplies and equipment and may supervise technicians and assistants.
Physician assistants work with the supervision of a physician.
However, PAs may provide care in rural or inner city clinics where a physician is present only once every 7 to 10 days, conferring with the supervising physician and other medical professionals as needed or required by state law. PAs may also make house calls or go to hospitals and nursing homes. The duties of physician assistants are determined by the supervising physician and by State law. Many PAs work in primary care areas such as general internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. Others work in specialty areas, such as general and thoracic surgery, emergency medicine, orthopedics, and geriatrics.