Physician Assistants ?

[luvmarypoppins]

Just wondering if you use them, what you think of them etc. I must admit I have had both good and bad experiences. One misdiagnosed one of the ds once, one had a bad people skills problem, obviously my dr. thought the same as she no longer works there and 2 others I have had a good experience.
Well I need to take ds to a dermatology specialist and the pediatrician gave me 2 names. I took the lst one because I told him ds had been there before when he had the shingles. He said well you know Dr. C does use physicians assistants and Dr. K does not. Well I called to make the appt. and sure enough I can only get the physican assistant for sat. I dont think I have gone to this one before at this dr. and I am second guessing myself because I want ds to get the right diagnosis because he has a rash that just wont go away and he is miserable. So what is your opinion.

 

[minkydog]

We have used PAs for dermatology with good results. It kinda depends on the patient too-- my DH has a complicated lung disease, so he really needs to see a real doctor when he goes in. the rest of us are relatively healthy, so unless it's something weird I don't much care whether we see a PA or a doctor(actually, I prefer nurse practitioners. They seem to spend more time listening)

 

[Christine]

Well, one of the BEST physician's assistants I've run across is in my dermatologist's office. I have been to him twice now and find him very thorough. The minute he had any doubt about my condition, he called the doctor in to look at me.

When I called and made the appointment the staff assured me that the PA only works when the doctor is there and that if something is "tricky" or you aren't happy with what he says then the doctor will be called in. In my experience it has worked out well.

 

[noodleknitter]

I love the concept, but it has been a "wash-out" for us each time. We've been treated for "pink-eye" that wasn't, a rash that was poison oak was misdaignosed, and when my mom went in for dizziness, and said she had vertigo, the dingy PA spent the whole time explaining it wasn't vertigo. Never once looked in her ears, and gave her medication that would stop the dizziness. Now, I don't know jack, but I would have know to checked her ears...and yes, it took antibiotics, and steroids to deal with it a month later.

 

[luvwinnie]

I've had good and bad, just like with drs. My primary's office is annoying though because it's very hard to get an appt. with the actual dr. unless you want to wait a week or more. One Phys Asst totally missed an abnormal result on a blood test. Luckily I got a copy of the report myself.

 

[mickeyboat]

I would agree, it is hit or miss - as it probably is with a doctor, too.

I have seen PA's and NP's and midwives, and any time there was something "tricky," they called in the doctor. Heck, my dermatologist (MD) called in a surgeon one time to look at something I was complaining about. She was pretty sure about her diagnosis, but wanted to have his opinion, too.

Good luck.

Denae