In Connecticut, the primary care provider you see could be a Medical Doctor (MD) or a Physician Assistant (PA). You may wonder, what is the difference? Is a PA the same as an MD? And does it really matter if you see a PA or an MD?
The Right Provider for the Right Time
PAs and MDs can often overlap in what they do; there are similarities in their education and training and their role in a primary care clinic will appear similar. The key is to understand the scope of each role and whether you are seeing the right provider for the situation you are in.
Educational Background of a Physician Assistant
In Connecticut, a Physician Assistant follows a stringent academic path before they are qualified to practice this involves:
- Obtaining a 4-year bachelor’s degree
- Completing a Master of Science in a Physician Assistant or Associate program
- Clocking over 2,000 hours of clinical patient experience in a variety of settings
- Writing the PA certification exam
- Receiving a state license as a PA
- Completing at least 100 hours of continuing medical education credits every 2 years
- Writing the recertification exam every 10 years
What a Physician Assistant is Qualified to Do
Similar to a MD, a PA is prepared to provide comprehensive healthcare to patients. A PA is licensed to:
- See patients in a primary care setting
- Diagnose health conditions
- Develop and provide patient treatment plans
- Prescribe medications
- Educate and counsel patients on preventative healthcare
- Order medical tests and interpret the results
The Differences Between a Medical Doctor and a Physician Assistant
In a primary care setting an MD and a PA are both able to provide a high level of quality care, but there are some key differences to be aware of. Both professionals receive thorough training in anatomy, body functions, diseases, and treatment. Both will have completed thousands of hours of clinical training with patients.
Some of the key differences are the length of the educational program for an MD and that a PA works under the guidance of a MD.
A MD will:
- Obtain a 4-year bachelor’s degree
- Complete 4 more years of medical school
- Go through a 3-7 year residency
- Have the opportunity to specialize in a particular practice area
An MD practices independently, but a PA always works under the supervision of an MD. The PA will be able to assess, diagnose and treat numerous health conditions but they do this in conjunction with a MD.
A few of the central differences is that an MD will be qualified to:
- address more complicated health conditions
- perform surgeries
- work autonomously
What are the Benefits of Seeing a Physician Assistant
According to the National Library of Medicine, the first Physician Assistant program was established in 1965 to capitalize on the knowledge and experience of military medics. These individuals had extensive medical experience and were able to assist with performing tasks previously done by doctors.
Medical doctors are vital mainstays in the healthcare system but the country is facing a shortage of doctors as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Once again, PAs can fill in that gap between doctors and excessive waitlists for patients.
Here are the top 3 benefits you get from seeing a PA:
- Typically, easier to access
The number of PAs are expected to double over the next 15 years. Many PAs will choose to work in primary care settings allowing you to get in to see a healthcare professional sooner. PAs are taking over many of the responsibilities of primary care physicians which allow the MD to direct their attention to the more complex cases. This allows shorter wait times for both the standard patient and the patient with a complex health condition.
- High quality of care
The education and training that a PA has allows them to treat patients with a high level of quality care. PAs are often able to book longer appointments and focus on teaching patients preventative care and chronic illness management.
- Collaborative care
A PA always works as part of a collaborative healthcare team. When you see a PA, you can think of this as having access to other healthcare professionals. Although the PA will assess, diagnose and treat you, the PA maintains a collaborative relationship with the MD. The MD is available to consult when a complex problem arises or if the patient requires a referral to a specialist.
The Most Important Things to Consider
Regular access to high-quality, compassionate healthcare leads to better health outcomes. Both MDs and PAs are qualified health professionals to see for your primary care visits. Here are 3 things that you want to consider the next time you see a health care professional.
- How does the provider treat you?
Your relationship with your healthcare provider is of utmost importance. You need to be comfortable and feel like you can trust your provider.
- Are you listened to with compassion and empathy?
Your healthcare provider serves as the gatekeeper between your health concerns and the tests, referrals, and specialists you may need. You want your healthcare professional to treat you with dignity and listen to what your body is telling you. It is important that the provider treats you as a whole person, not just a diagnosis.
- Are you playing an active part in your health plan?
Your experience of your health and illness is central to your health plan. Your healthcare professional needs to show respect for your values and preferences while providing accurate information in a way that you can understand.
Whether you see a PA or a MD, you need to know that you are in good hands.
Reach out to PACT today to request an appointment with a Primary Care Provider who is committed to excellence, innovation, safety and quality care.
