This is a critical time for addressing the shortage of primary care providers in Kentucky and around the country. Decisions made now about how to address this problem will affect the Commonwealth for years to come. As advanced practitioners, physician assistants are ideal for extending the reach of Kentucky’s physicians, especially in rural regions and other areas of increased medical need. The following information gives a brief overview of the profession and how PAs benefit physicians, patients and Kentucky.
Physician Assistants
AT A GLANCE � A physician assistant (PA) is a licensed medical practitioner who is authorized to practice under the supervision of a physician. � All licensed PAs must be graduates of an accredited institution and pass a national qualifying exam. � PAs are trained in the same medical model as physicians, and even share classes with medical students during their education. � Practicing PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing education every two years, plus pass a recertification exam every six years. � The physician assistant profession is projected to expand by 39 percent by 2018, making it one of the fastest growing careers. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11)
Benefiting
PHYSICIANS I have worked with physician assistants for 32 years and have been an active preceptor for PA students for more than 10 years. PAs are valuable assets in primary health care practices and I believe that American health care is more robust with the contributions they make.”
A. O’tayo Lalude, MD Westside Medical Center Louisville, Ky.
� Easing physician workloads—PAs improve patient flow and free physicians to manage more complex or demanding cases. An American Medical Association (AMA) survey found that PAs enhance practice efficiency: solo practice physicians who employ PAs experience expanded practice, greater efficiency and greater access to care for their patients. � Cost-effectiveness—according to the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), PAs generate revenues greater than what their compensation costs employers. The most recent report shows that for every dollar of charges a PA generates for the practice, the employer pays, on average, 30 cents to employ the PA.
Edwin L. Grogan, MD, FACS Grogan & Howard PSC Paducah, Ky.
I have been practicing surgery in the state of Kentucky for 33 years. For the past 20 years I have had physician assistant extenders and we presently have three PAs in our office. They have been invaluable to help with preoperative workups, discharge summaries, daily rounds and serve us as first assistants in the OR. PAs have allowed us to see many more patients and have been wonderful physician extenders of our practice.”
Benefiting
PATIENTS When my liver began to fail in 2006, my physician assistant stepped in and ‘carried the ball.’ Michael counseled me, spent endless hours advocating on my behalf and was at my bedside when I went into surgery for my transplant. He was there when I came out of surgery and has been a constant source of strength ever since. I am doing great today because of the concern of my PA.” – Mel Boyd
Michael Cooper, PA-C Morehead, Ky.
Mel Boyd Lexington, Ky.
� Delivering quality care—numerous studies have found that the quality of care that PAs provide is comparable to that of physicians. The congressional Office of Technology Assessment studied health care services provided by PAs and determined that “within their scope of practice, physician assistants provide health care that is indistinguishable in quality from care provided by physicians.” � Improving quality care—according to a study published in The American Surgeon in 2004, PAs “are a valuable adjunct in improving quality of patient care.” A nationwide study published in 2005 also found that, regardless of provider, Medicare patients are generally satisfied with the quality of health care they receive. � Reduction in appointment wait time—with a PA on staff, patient waiting times are decreased, improving patient satisfaction through increased access to health care.
Benefiting
KENTUCKY As a former Secretary for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health & Family Services, and now working at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, I find myself in the enviable position of participating in an effort to modernize the United States health care delivery system. The recent Affordable Care Act Mark D. Birdwhistell passed by Congress creates new Chief of Staff, Office of the programs allowing an estimated Executive Vice President, Health 400,000 uninsured Kentuckians Affairs; Chief External Affairs Officer, UK HealthCare to purchase affordable health insurance coverage or participate in the state Medicaid program. However, very little in the legislation addresses access to primary care services. As more Kentuckians receive health care coverage, physician assistants will continue to play a critical role in serving this newly insured population. I hope to also see creative models of care which will empower PAs and other providers to show continued leadership in improving patient care in our Commonwealth.”
� A possible solution to the health care workforce shortage—PAs may offer a solution to the national shortage of primary care physicians and help provide both primary and specialty care for many Kentuckians who would otherwise lack access to ongoing health care services. Working side-by-side with a physician, PAs continue to address the health care needs of thousands of Kentuckians each year. � Improving health care delivery—a wide range of health care organizations have found physician assistants contribute significantly toward their overall mission of providing high-quality, cost-effective health care services. PAs are most commonly found in clinic settings where they conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret diagnostic tests and prescribe medications. Many hospitals utilize their expertise in emergency departments and outpatient clinics. Residents of long-term care facilities benefit from the collaborative effort among provider teams consisting of physicians and PAs. As an integral member of a surgical practice, the PA is often called upon to perform routine pre- and postsurgery follow-up care in addition to directly assisting in surgeries.
For more information about the Physician Assistant Studies program at the UK College of Health Sciences, visit www.mc.uky.edu/pa.
Each year, 40 students are admitted to the Lexington campus, and 16 to Morehead State site.
The Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of Kentucky College of Health Sciences was initiated in 1973 and is one of two Physician Assistant programs in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. In 1996, the program was extended to include instruction at Morehead State University. Now, 10 dedicated faculty members, two based at Morehead State University and eight based in Lexington, provide instruction.
Charles T. Wethington Jr. Building, Rm. 123 900 South Limestone Lexington, KY 40536-0200