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Barbara, PA-C |
Karri,
MHS, PA-C |
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Paula, PA-C |
Emily, PA-C, MSCS |
When
you make an appointment for a neurological consultation with one of the
physicians at Western Neurological Associates (WNA), you may spend
some of your time with a midlevel provider. She will take your vitals,
ask about
your medical history and current symptoms, and administer a physical and
neurological exam. She will discuss this information with the doctor who
will see you next. After the doctor meets with you, a plan will be made
for your medical treatment.
The midlevel provider may be the person who calls you with test results or other information the doctor would like you to know. She may take your phone call if you have a question about your medical treatment or new information concerning your condition. These calls will be discussed with your physician. The midlevel provider may administer some of the medical procedures that become necessary for your medical care, such as a lumbar puncture. She may see you in followup. WNA utilizes two types of midlevel providers - registered nurses (RNs), and physician assistants (PAs).
A physician assistant is a licensed health professional who practices medicine under the supervision of a physician. PAs are highly-skilled professionals educated to use the same medical procedures as their physician counterparts. For example, PAs take medical histories, perform physician exams, diagnose and treat illness, perform minor surgery, and in most states prescribe medication.
The education of a PA is modeled after that of a physician, although shorter. Before they can practice, graduates of a PA program must pass a single national certification exam developed by the National Board of Medical Examiners. In order for PAs to remain certified, they must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and sit for a re-certification exam every six years.