Among Friends

[wagirl]

Dr assistants are fine with me too. If it is something they think needs to be looked at by the doc then they will see to that. Have had many very good results from PA's. My primary dr is a nurse practicioner that is very well spoken of and respected by the drs I see. Most times the PA's can be gotten in touch with far quicker than a dr.

[BalletBabe]

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@software wrote:

I have never been given an appointment to see a PA I have however seen the PA once at the office, for something routine (reading labs)

This is just my 2 cents but your first visit should be with the specialist.   

You never know what's going on with your injury

I've told this story many times here.    A family member broke (thought he broke) the middle toe on his left foot.  What do you do for a broken toe??  Not much really.

So he didn't go to the doctor.

Finally had to go when the darn thing swelled up and almost turned gangrene, it needed to be removed.   The bone was broken vertically, infection set in.   Too far gone to save.

A podiatrist can only handle simple things, they are not an MD.

I would not see a podiatrist for a serious injury, only things like a bone spur, arthritis, bunion, sprain, things like that.

@Goldengate8361

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@software  All podiatrists I have seen in the past are M.D.'s. 

[BalletBabe]

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@Carmie wrote:

@software    Huh? a Podiatrist receives the same years of training as an MD.  The difference is an MD studies the whole body and a Podiatrist spends all of those years in the study of the foot and ankle.  Actually the Podiatrist is better educated in foot problems.

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@Carmie  That is correct.   

[SuhseK]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

If I pay for a M.D., I want to see a M.D..  I wouldn't mind a PA for something like removing/replacing bandages, but for the important stuff I want a M.D..  I'd never have surgery done by a PA.

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PA’s have many years of education.  They certainly don’t make an average salary of $103,000, to change bandages, though, sometimes, I imagine they might, but, then so might Doctor’s! 

PA’s can’t do surgery alone. There has to be a surgeon, in the OR.

[missy1]

I prefer them and nurse practitioners. PA' s make 100,000+, are very knowledgeable and seem to have better beside manners than a Dr.

Here they can do almost everything, except surgery.

Unless one is paying cash out of their pocket to see a Dr., then that would be different.

[SahmIam]

I don't have an issue with PA's; however....

My youngest had an injury to his foot during a game. He played through it but the next morning....it didn't look so good. His orthopedist wasn't in on Friday so I took him to his Primary Care. Primary Care (who has been around awhile and has sons and grandsons of his own) looked everything over and told me an ER visit wasn't worth the time, money or effort but that he still would like an ortho to see it because of specific concerns. 

Fine, but I need a recommendation because our usual one is not in. Doc gave me the name and number of one he uses that has a Friday clinic JUST for kids. Called, got him in and went. 

Waited 2 hours. Got in, they took x-rays and was told that he needs to see an orthopedist. But you're one; that's why we came. No, the chick was an ortho PA. Rest the foot with ice, don't walk, take Advil and see your doc Monday.

That was a waste of time, money (hundreds of dollars) for nothing. Saw the ortho on Monday and he dealt with the foot injury. I only deal with doctors for serious stuff, PA's for follow-ups if everything is going well or for standard check-ups (if offered). Usually it's a PA at they GYN office. But like others have stated; don't charge me the doc fee if it isn't a doc......

[Evie2004]

This must be the new norm, my friend is scheduled to see a vascular surgeon tomorrow for a circulatory problem & she was called today & told she would be seeing a PA, who would do a complete history & physical & them schedule her an appt with the MD, if it was warranted..she is a little upset. 

I wish my husband’s cardiologist had either a PA or NP, as he is a pompous jerk..in my opinion, no people skills at all, but he is my husband’s choice..not getting involved, YET!!!

 oops, my husband is not the pompous jerk, the Dr is 😊

[Ifeelwicked]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

If I pay for a M.D., I want to see a M.D..  I wouldn't mind a PA for something like removing/replacing bandages, but for the important stuff I want a M.D..  I'd never have surgery done by a PA.

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    In any state I’ve lived in a PA is required to have 3 

    years EMT/Paramedic, or nursing experience, a 4 yr.

    Bachelor’s Degree and 2-yr. Physician’s Assistant  

    Master’s Degree. They will not be the one removing 

    or replacing your bandage. They participate in “very

    important stuff.” If they were’t qualified the MD/

    Specialist would not have them representing his/

    her medical office.

[Group 5 minus 1]

Saw a PA the other day (Family Care) and will not see her again. I felt like she was doing "cookbook medicine" .