Physician assistants are an essential part of the medical community that allows patients to receive the best care possible. They can handle tasks that doctors can’t do, which means more people can receive treatment faster. Although physician assistants are often mistaken for physicians, they are very different in what they are allowed to do. A physician assistant is not a medical student and does not treat patients on their own. Instead, a Humble, TX physician assistant works under the close supervision of physicians and handles essential tasks. When you visit your doctor, they may delegate some of the responsibilities to a physician assistant. This article covers some of the typical duties handled by physician assistants. Read on to learn more.
-
Conduct Medical Exams
One of the primary responsibilities of a physician assistant is to take care of patients and conduct medical exams. This includes everything from taking vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature to testing eyesight and hearing. They may also order x-rays or perform specific tests to diagnose an illness. If they are working with children, they may assist with physicals or conduct other routine screenings. Physician assistants should always be under the supervision of a physician before performing any medical procedures.
-
Conduct Lab Tests
Physician assistants can handle lab tests and perform simple tasks such as blood draws or urine analysis. They may also collect samples for testing purposes, including saliva, stool, or other biological specimens. If the physician assistant is working in a lab environment, they may spend their entire workday conducting tests and analyzing data. They may also assist with writing reports and filing paperwork if necessary.
-
Prepare Medical Reports
If a physician assistant has completed the necessary training, they may prepare medical reports that detail their findings. Sometimes they can also manage billing and insurance paperwork, including coordinating procedures with patients’ insurance companies. In addition to processing paperwork, physician assistants are often required to keep accurate patient history and treatments.
-
Make Determinations About Diagnoses
Once all of the necessary medical information has been collected, physician assistants make decisions about diagnosis. This includes studying test results, looking at the patient’s medical history, and asking about their symptoms. They make a diagnosis by reviewing all of this information and determining what is causing the health problems. In some cases, they may identify a disease or condition without consulting with a physician. After coming up with a possible diagnosis, physician assistants work with physicians to get confirmation.
-
Work With Physicians on Treatment Plans
After hiring a physician assistant, the doctor will likely assign them tasks that include developing treatment plans. This may involve drawing up guidelines for healthy living based on the disease or recommending specific therapies. They may provide an overall strategy designed to slow down or stop certain medical conditions. Although physician assistants do not prescribe medication, they can recommend specific treatments that can help patients.
In summary, you may come across physician assistants when you visit your doctor. They play an essential role in healthcare. They can conduct medical exams and lab tests. They also prepare medical reports and make determinations about diagnoses. Additionally, they work with your physician to create an ideal treatment plan.
