When it comes to healthcare, many people think of going to see a doctor as their only option for primary care. However, there are many benefits to seeing a physician assistant (PA) as your primary care provider.
One of the biggest benefits of seeing a PA as your primary care provider is that they are highly trained medical professionals who can diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. PAs have a solid medical education and have passed a rigorous national certification exam. They are licensed to practice medicine in the majority of US states and work under the supervision of a licensed physician.
Another benefit of seeing a PA is that they are able to provide continuity of care. This means that, when you see a PA for your primary care needs, you will likely be seeing the same healthcare professional for most of your visits. This can be beneficial for developing a strong patient-provider relationship, which can lead to better communication and more effective care.
PAs can also offer a wide range of services. they can provide preventive care services such as physical exams, immunizations, and cancer screenings. They can also diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries and provide treatment plans. They can also perform some procedures like simple wound repair, interpreting x-rays and lab results. They can also prescribe medications and order and interpret diagnostic tests.
PAs often have more flexibility in terms of scheduling appointments. They may be able to offer appointments more quickly or outside of traditional business hours. This can be especially helpful for people who have busy schedules or find it difficult to take time off of work.
PAs may also be more affordable than other primary care options. They may be able to offer a lower cost alternative for people who are uninsured or underinsured, or who have high-deductible health plans.
Seeing a physician assistant as your primary care provider can offer many benefits, including a wide range of services, continuity of care, flexibility in scheduling, and affordability. If you are in need of primary care services, consider making an appointment with a PA
