Physician Assistants in Women's Health


What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?

PAs work in physician PA teams and are educated in a collaborative approach to healthcare. Because of their general medical background, PAs have flexibility in the types of medicine they can practice. That makes them responsive to changing healthcare needs. PAs are uniquely suited to provide preventive care services in all settings, from primary care to surgery. PAs work in physician PA teams (PDF) teams and are educated in a collaborative approach to healthcare, which improves coordination of care and can improve outcomes.

They are educated in intense educational programs that last approximately 26 months (3 academic years). This relatively short training period means that PAs can quickly begin practice, helping offset the worsening physician shortages. Pas extend the care that physicians provide and increase access to care. Studies have consistently shown that PAs provide high quality care with outcomes similar to physician provided care. Additionally, studies have shown that incorporating Pas into office or hospital practice can improve outcomes. Studies have also shown that patients are just as satisfied with medical care provided by PAs as with that provided by doctors and do not distinguish between types of care providers.

Download this quick and easy guide to learn how to reference PAs in the professional world.

PA's in OBGYN
Most PAs who practice with obstetrician gynecologists work primarily in outpatient settings. According to AAPA census data for 2008, 88 percent of PAs in obstetrics and gynecology see outpatients, while 33 percent manage the care of inpatients.3 PAs in ob-gyn work in family planning centers, solo physician offices, group practices, rural clinics, urban clinics, community health centers, hospital outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, HMOs and other settings where care is delivered. The work of PAs in outpatient ob-gyn settings is as diverse as the work of ob-gyn physicians. PAs provide both obstetrical and gynecological care, including comprehensive annual gynecological examinations. They evaluate and manage common gynecological conditions, including contraception, vaginal infections, sexually transmitted diseases and menopausal problems. PAs are commonly included on teams that evaluate and treat infertility. They also provide prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum care. In addition to direct patient examination and treatment, PAs also provide patient education and counseling on contraception, breast selfexamination, prenatal care, childbirth, postnatal care, lactation and other obgyn topics.

To download a full information sheet, click here.
Utilization of PAs in Practice

PAs work in concert with physicians, complementing the physician’s ability to deliver a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services to diverse patient populations. PAs’ rigorous education, versatility and commitment to individualized treatment help physicians and practices function more efficiently and enhance continuity of health care. Though more PAs are entering health care each year, there are still some common questions about the PA profession. These questions regard physician supervision roles, PA prescribing capability, third-party reimbursement policies, malpractice coverage concerns and how to hire a PA.


Scope of Practice
*More information coming soon

Employers: Are you Looking to Advertise your PA Position?

This website is a valuable tool for connecting PAs with potential employers. Other opportunities also exist for networking and finding the right PA for your opening - POST YOUR PA POSITION ONLINE


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