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Adding a Medex to the medical mix: an evaluation.
Medical Care
|December 1, 1976
Summary
Physician assistants, known as Medex, were integrated into private medical practices. Findings indicate they were readily accepted, saw a similar patient range, and boosted patient volume, though specific impacts varied by practice setting.
Area of Science:
- Medical Practice Management
- Physician Assistant Studies
Background:
- Private medical practices face challenges in patient volume and resource allocation.
- The integration of non-physician clinicians is a growing trend in healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of incorporating Medex (physician assistants) into 13 private medical practices.
- To assess the integration, patient care spectrum, and practice effects of Medex.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study following three classes of Medex through preceptorship and employment.
- Data collection across 13 diverse private practice settings.
Main Results:
- Medex were readily incorporated into practice settings.
- Medex managed a patient spectrum comparable to physicians.
- Medex generally functioned as semi-colleagues, increasing patient volume.
- Specific impacts of Medex varied depending on the practice environment.
Conclusions:
- Medex are a valuable addition to private medical practices, enhancing patient volume.
- The successful integration and specific contributions of Medex are influenced by the practice setting.