Non Physician Assistant

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The Dept. of Health and Human Services defines a non-physician as “Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants as health care providers who practice either in collaboration with or under the supervision of a physician.” There are similarities and differences in the scope of practice that a non-physician and a physician may perform. Although, not as many in today’s health care world as there used to be. There was a time when a patient would not be able to see a non-physician without a physician physically in the room. But, in recent years the non-physicians scope of practice has increased. Which, can allow a physician to spend their time tending more critically ill patients instead of everyday illnesses. A physician …show more content…
The number of years to become a physician’s assistant is much less than a physician. A Pa is generally required to complete a 4-year degree and completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. Physicians are required to supervise a PA at all times therefore a PA is not able to have a practice that is independent from a physicians practice. But, they are able to work independently throughout a workday. Meaning they are able to examine, diagnose, and treat patients without a physician physically in the room with them. A physician assistant may also perform minor surgery with local anesthesia as long as the supervising physician has deemed they are competent to do so. A physician assistant may be able to prescribe medication depending on the state in which they are practicing. Another major difference in a physician and a non-physician in the amount of their salaries. According to The Profitable Practice, the base salary for a physician is approximately $173,000a year whereas a nurse practitioner or physician assistant’s base salary is around $89,000. There are people that believe that the use of non-physicians will help to alleviate some of the costs associated with health care. People are able to see well trained professionals for less than they would to see an actual physician for minor injuries and