A model for the use of physician's assistants in primary care

The function and long-term viability of physician's assistants in primary care is controversial. The authors hypothesize that to remain a viable entity the physician's assistant (PA) must meet criteria including ability to make independent decisions, to obtain the complete trust of the supervising physician, to deliver care of quality equal to that of physicians, and to produce revenue in excess of the PA's cost and overhead. A model for the use of a PA in primary care is described which has been in operation for four years. This model is tested against these criteria to see if conditions for long-term viability are met. The results show physician's assistants do have a valuable role im primary health care delivery which should not be eliminated by future increases in physician manpower.