PA FAQs

Piedmont employs the services of well-trained Physician Assistants. Piedmont PAs provide a variety of medical services to our patients and enable patients to be seen more quickly and efficiently. 

The following information has been provided for you using educational material from the American Academy of Physician Assistants. We encourage you to visit www.aapa.org to learn more. If you would like to learn more about the PAs at Piedmont, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

American Academy of Physician AssistantsPhysician Assistant FAQ’s

Please visit AAPA.org to learn more about the role of Physician Assistants

What is a Physician Assistant?

A PA is a licensed medical professional who can examine, test, treat and prescribe medication for patients. Like physicians, the exact duties of PAs depend on the type of medical setting in which they work, their level of experience and their specialty. Physician Assistants are often educated side by side with physicians and perform a comprehensive range of medical duties, from primary care to assisting in major surgery.

PAs can:

  • Obtain patient medical histories
  • Conduct physical exams
  • Diagnose and treat illnesses
  • Order and interpret tests
  • Develop treatment plans
  • Counsel on preventative healthcare
  • Assist in surgery
  • Write prescriptions

 Will my insurance cover a visit with a PA?

Medical and surgical services delivered by PAs are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and nearly all private payers.

What kind of training and experience does a PA have?

PAs typically acquire extensive healthcare training and experience before they enter an intense, three-year graduate-level program that requires the same prerequisites as medical schools. After graduation, PAs are required to pass a national PA certification exam administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and obtain a state license. In order to maintain certification, PAs must complete a comprehensive recertification exam every 10 years as well as earn 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years.

According to AAPA, PAs are patient-focused and are often able to spend more time with patients during the visit.