The decision about whether or not to hire a physician assistant has become something of a hot-button issue among our readers, many of whom embrace such extenders’ much-needed help while others bemoan the loss of control and diminished professionalism they represent.
PAS In The Here and Now
But, they are here — some 2,500 strong in dermatology, according to the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants.
According to this year’s PA census, which is conducted by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and to which 827 dermatology PAs responded, most PAs are practicing in solo dermatology practices (42.6%) and single-specialty practices (40%).
What can PAs do for a Dermatology Practice?
They are qualified to perform a wide variety of the more routine medical and cosmetic procedures that can overwhelm dermatology practices struggling to keep up with patient demand.
The dermatologists interviewed for the article indicate that their PAs are injecting Botox and fillers, taking histories and assisting in Mohs surgeries, to name a few procedures. And according to the AAPA’s 2007 census report, these procedures seem in tune with the majority of PAs. According to the census, most of the responding PAs assist in minor surgical procedures (nearly 95%), and a good amount of the PAs (31.3%) assist in decision-making for buying equipment and supplies.
Read our cover story on page 44 to learn more about what physician assistants can offer your practice from our author, dermatology physician assistant Krystie P. Lennox, PA-C, who is also a consultant to dermatologists considering just this move. She offers a look at how her colleagues are being utilized in today’s dermatology practices.
What procedures are physician assistants performing? How much are they earning across the country? How much are they earning based on specialty area? How do their state-by-state prescribing privileges vary? Turn to page 44 for answers to those questions and more.
Larisa Hubbs
Executive Editor
lhubbs@hmpcommunications.com
The decision about whether or not to hire a physician assistant has become something of a hot-button issue among our readers, many of whom embrace such extenders’ much-needed help while others bemoan the loss of control and diminished professionalism they represent.
PAS In The Here and Now
But, they are here — some 2,500 strong in dermatology, according to the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants.
According to this year’s PA census, which is conducted by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and to which 827 dermatology PAs responded, most PAs are practicing in solo dermatology practices (42.6%) and single-specialty practices (40%).
What can PAs do for a Dermatology Practice?
They are qualified to perform a wide variety of the more routine medical and cosmetic procedures that can overwhelm dermatology practices struggling to keep up with patient demand.
The dermatologists interviewed for the article indicate that their PAs are injecting Botox and fillers, taking histories and assisting in Mohs surgeries, to name a few procedures. And according to the AAPA’s 2007 census report, these procedures seem in tune with the majority of PAs. According to the census, most of the responding PAs assist in minor surgical procedures (nearly 95%), and a good amount of the PAs (31.3%) assist in decision-making for buying equipment and supplies.
Read our cover story on page 44 to learn more about what physician assistants can offer your practice from our author, dermatology physician assistant Krystie P. Lennox, PA-C, who is also a consultant to dermatologists considering just this move. She offers a look at how her colleagues are being utilized in today’s dermatology practices.
What procedures are physician assistants performing? How much are they earning across the country? How much are they earning based on specialty area? How do their state-by-state prescribing privileges vary? Turn to page 44 for answers to those questions and more.
Larisa Hubbs
Executive Editor
lhubbs@hmpcommunications.com
The decision about whether or not to hire a physician assistant has become something of a hot-button issue among our readers, many of whom embrace such extenders’ much-needed help while others bemoan the loss of control and diminished professionalism they represent.
PAS In The Here and Now
But, they are here — some 2,500 strong in dermatology, according to the Society for Dermatology Physician Assistants.
According to this year’s PA census, which is conducted by the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) and to which 827 dermatology PAs responded, most PAs are practicing in solo dermatology practices (42.6%) and single-specialty practices (40%).
What can PAs do for a Dermatology Practice?
They are qualified to perform a wide variety of the more routine medical and cosmetic procedures that can overwhelm dermatology practices struggling to keep up with patient demand.
The dermatologists interviewed for the article indicate that their PAs are injecting Botox and fillers, taking histories and assisting in Mohs surgeries, to name a few procedures. And according to the AAPA’s 2007 census report, these procedures seem in tune with the majority of PAs. According to the census, most of the responding PAs assist in minor surgical procedures (nearly 95%), and a good amount of the PAs (31.3%) assist in decision-making for buying equipment and supplies.
Read our cover story on page 44 to learn more about what physician assistants can offer your practice from our author, dermatology physician assistant Krystie P. Lennox, PA-C, who is also a consultant to dermatologists considering just this move. She offers a look at how her colleagues are being utilized in today’s dermatology practices.
What procedures are physician assistants performing? How much are they earning across the country? How much are they earning based on specialty area? How do their state-by-state prescribing privileges vary? Turn to page 44 for answers to those questions and more.
Larisa Hubbs
Executive Editor
lhubbs@hmpcommunications.com
