Overview
The similarities between physician and PA allow for communication from one to another to come easily. But sometimes a PA needs to overcome the roadblocks of unfamiliarity, misinformation, or even a false sense of threat from an outside competitor.

For a physician unfamiliar with PAs:

• Be sure to convey that the relationship between physician assistant and physician is one of mutual trust and respect. The PA is a delegate for the physician, treating patients in the style and manner developed and directed by the supervising physician. For more insight into how the concept began, see The Physician-PA Team.
• Emphasize that PA training is based on the medical model. For further delineation, see The Medical Model of PA Training.
• PA reimbursement for physician services is a practical question that needs accurate answers. Use the PSPA’s Reimbursement Page or visit the AAPA Web site, http://www.aapa.org/gandp/issuebrief/3rdparty.pdf for information on third party payments.
• You may want to innumerate the clinical and financial benefits of hiring a PA for a physician who is a potential PA employer. A nicely outlined brochure for physicians that lists these benefits has been developed by the PSPA.

  
  In general, keep doors open for correct information:

• Draw positive attention to PAs, attend CME dinners with your physician peers, and volunteer to present updates on clinical topics for physician groups to invite dialogue on the profession.
• Know a well-spoken physician who can speak to the effectiveness of his or her PA that would be willing to field a colleague’s questions on a referable basis.
• Ask a frequently-consulted physician if he has considered expanding his hours by utilizing a PA. His services would be more accessible and the direction of care uncompromised.
  

Back to Public Relations page