How is a PA different from an MD

[USArmyDoc]

That's one hell of a chip on your shoulder.

I wouldn't call that a chip on his shoulder at all. In fact, the degree is Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. He is absolutley correct.

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[USArmyDoc]

PA's are different because they do not go through the same amount of training and do not posses the same amount of responsibility. Thats the superficial answer.

 

[Dr Trek 1]

But... I'm curious as to what can a FP MD do in daily practice that they can't "supervise" a PA to do in your state...???

I am from NY state. PAs cannot do a lot of things.

For instance, in a private practice setting they cannot write scirpts for schedule II controlled substances.

A PA cannot sign a death certificate.

PAs cannot be directly reimbursed for services. It must go through the MD/DO.

PAs cannot do H&Ps or perform regulatory 30/60 day physicals required by CMS and the NYS DOG.

Those are just a few off of the top of my head, but they can all be found (For New York state) here:

http://www.nysspa.org/

 

[DocNusum]

be directly reimbursed for services. It must go through the MD/DO.

This is the ONLY thing PAs can't do in all of the states I've worked in...

DocNusum