What’s in a name?
Physician assistant? Physician associate? Which term is correct?
In recent years, there has been a movement to change the profession’s official title to more accurately reflect the nature of the role. While professionals in the field are often referred to as “
physician assistant,” the title “
physician associate” will become more commonplace in the future and is preferred by those in the industry. “
PAs” is also a frequently used abbreviation for both.
The issue stems from the fact that ‘assistant’ may imply that PAs merely assist or support physicians. In reality, PAs are medical professionals that are deeply involved in various aspects of patient care, and focus on providing high-quality care to their patients. The term ‘associate’ more accurately indicates the level of higher education and clinical training that is required by the profession.
The
American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA), the leading organization representing the PA profession, has changed its name to reflect the new official title. Many leading state associations are also implementing this change. It is understood that the title change will take time to spread across different states as legislation is enacted, and that varying perspectives exist on the topic.
What is the role of a PA?
PAs are nationally certified, state-licensed clinical professionals who practice medicine in every specialty and setting, according to the
AAPA. PAs are helping to expand access to healthcare through patient-centered medical care. There are more than 168,000 PAs in the United States.
The generalist medical training PAs receive allows them to provide a wide range of patient care. In general, PAs can have an array of medical responsibilities, such as:
- Conducting physical exams
- Diagnosing and treating illness
- Ordering and interpreting tests
- Prescribing medication
- Assisting in surgery
- Doing clinical research
The specific activities performed by a PA depend on the individual’s work setting, experience level, specialty, and state laws in which they practice.
How are PAs helping to expand healthcare access to patients?
PAs are key to helping make a difference in patient care. They are pivotal in addressing the healthcare provider workforce shortage facing the country, particularly in rural, medically underserved areas (MUAs), and health professional shortage areas (HPSAs). Communities benefit economically when PAs move to work in rural locations.
1
PAs play an integral role in healthcare by assuming a wide range of primary care duties that have traditionally been performed by physicians, including conducting physical exams and prescribing medication. Their generalist medical training enables PAs to address a wide range of issues for patient care within their scope of practice. For instance, a PA conducting a physical exam on a patient for a back pain issue may also identify a dermatology issue and advise on next steps. Having PAs in the mix of medical professionals that provide both primary care and specialized care also offers patients more provider options, lessens wait times or appointment delays, and alleviates the workloads of physicians.
Because their role is highly versatile and adaptable across different clinical settings and specialties, PAs work in a variety of locations – from rural areas to bustling metropolises. According to the AAPA, in 2017,
16% of clinically practicing PAs were located in a rural county while
84% were located in an urban county.
2 Additionally, similar to other healthcare providers, PAs work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, private practice or medical offices, community health centers, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics, among other workplaces.
PAs are widely considered trusted, knowledgeable medical professionals. A
2023 Harris Poll commissioned by AAPA
3 found that:
- 90% of Americans say PAs improve access to care and make it easier to get an appointment
- 93% of patients said PAs add value to healthcare teams
- 89% of patients said PAs improve health outcomes
In recent years, there has been impressive growth within the PA profession, and many in the field find it to be a satisfying career path, according to a
2022 report by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA):
- There has been a 76% growth rate in the profession in the last decade4
- 86.7% of PAs reported being satisfied in their career4
What degree is required for the PA profession?
PAs are educated at a master’s degree level. Enrolling in a PA program requires a bachelor’s degree and completion of science prerequisite courses. There are currently over 300 PA educational programs in the United States. Most programs are approximately three academic years in length and include both classroom instruction and clinical rotation.
To become a PA, you must graduate from an accredited program and pass the Physician Assistance National Certifying Examination (PANCE) administered by the NCCPA. You may also see PAs with different credentials. PA-C refers to certified PAs who have successfully passed the PANCE. PA-S refers to a student designation.
Many individuals that pursue becoming a PA may come from a background in healthcare, such as medical assistants or paramedics.
How is a PA different than a physician?
PAs are dedicated to a team-based approach to provide quality care to patients. Both PAs and MDs frequently work within medical teams and can diagnose, treat, and care for patients and prescribe medicine.
While PAs work with physicians, they hold different degrees, and their scope of practice varies. Most state laws require PAs to have an agreement with a specific physician to practice, but do not require physicians to always be on-site when PAs see patients. The specific requirements for supervisory and collaborative arrangements between PAs and physicians vary by state.
Importance of Malpractice Insurance for PAs
At HPSO, we recognize the critical role PAs play in delivering high-quality patient care and expanding access to healthcare. We’re dedicated to advocating for PAs, along with other allied health professions, by offering individual professional liability coverage and risk management resources that prioritize your needs.
Like all healthcare providers, PAs may face malpractice risks that could lead to an expensive medical malpractice lawsuit, putting your license, financial stability, and career in jeopardy. By relying on employer coverage, you may not be fully protected, because the organization’s insurance policy is likely to focus primarily on its needs rather than yours in the event of a malpractice allegation or lawsuit.
With HPSO, you can secure affordable malpractice coverage that focuses on your best interests.
- Learn about our PA malpractice insurance program to help protect your license, assets, and career.
- Access our robust risk management materials, including articles, case studies, claim reports, webinars, and more, to help increase your knowledge and lower your risk exposures.
- HPSO is proud to partner with several state PA professional associations, including California Academy of Physician Assistants (CAPA), New York State Society of Physician Assistants (NYSSPA), North Carolina Academy of Physician Assistants (NCAPA), Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants (PSPA), Tennessee Academy of Physician Assistants (TAPA).
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Disclaimer:
HPSO takes no responsibility for the contents of external websites managed by third parties. The information, examples and suggestions presented in this article have been developed from sources believed to be reliable, but they should not be construed as legal or other professional advice. Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions, and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice.
Footnotes:
1“The Patient Experience: Perspectives on Today’s Healthcare.” The research was conducted online in the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of AAPA among 2,519 adults age 18+. The survey was conducted from February 23 – March 9, 2023. Interviews were conducted in English and Spanish.
2“PAs in Rural Locations Ready to Meet Primary Care Needs.”https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2018/06/pas-rural-locations-ready-meet-primary-care-needs/
3“2022 Statistical Profile on Board Certified PAs published by NCCPA.” https://www.nccpa.net/news/pa-profession-surges-in-last-decade/
4“What Barriers Stand Between PAs and Rural Settings, MUAs, and HPSAs?” https://www.aapa.org/news-central/2022/10/what-barriers-stand-between-pas-and-rural-settings-muas-and-hpsas/