The Role of a Physician Assistant
By Matt Milam, PA-C
What is a PA?
Hello, my name is Matt Milam. I am a Physician Assistant at Beacon Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. I have worked four years with Dr. Jaideep Chunduri, an Orthopaedic Spine surgeon. Although my profession was established over 50 years ago, I am continually asked, “What is a PA?” Another question I frequently receive is “What is the difference between a Physician and a Physician Assistant?” Even though I always identify myself as a Physician Assistant, many patients continue to call me Doctor. Educating the general public about my profession has always been a challenge. As the profession continues to grow, and as more physicians begin utilizing physician assistants in their practice, patients are becoming more comfortable with Physician Assistants.. At your next visit to the Beacon Spine Center, you may have an interaction with a Physician Assistant, and I would like for you, the patient, to be comfortable with the care you are receiving.
The simple definition of a Physician Assistant is “a healthcare provider licensed to practice medicine under the direct supervision of a physician.” (www.aapa.org). The definition of direct supervision varies by state. In Ohio, the definition of direct supervision is limited to direct on-site presence of the physician or availability of the physician by telephone and the physician being present within 60 miles of the location the Physician Assistant is practicing. At Beacon, there are times when Dr. Chunduri is at our Batesville office, while I am at the Western Hills office. There may be times when I see patients on behalf of Dr. Chunduri while he is assisting another surgeon. This gives the patients more flexibility and convenience in getting quality medical care.
To further define the Physician Assistant profession, “PAs are formally trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of the health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat patients, order and interpret laboratory tests including x-rays. Physician Assistants treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting, and casting. PAs also record progress notes, instruct and counsel patients, and physical therapy.” (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/540661/a_physician_ assistant_a_job_description.html?cat=5)
When you visit Dr. Chunduri as a new patient, you may initially be evaluated by me. At that time, I will conduct a thorough history and physical exam, review your X-rays or MRI with you, and then discuss treatment options in detail. I then step out of the room to report my findings to Dr. Chunduri. My goal as a physician assistant is to allow the patient-physician interaction to be more problem focused. When Dr. Chunduri sees you, he will check my findings, by further examination, and begin discussing your diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.
I also see patients at the follow up visit. At these visits, I evaluate your progress, and determine if further treatment is warranted. Subsequent visits may also be requested to review and read imaging studies. There are times when your follow up visit will be scheduled with me. Even though your visit is scheduled with me, you as the patient, always have the option to speak with Dr. Chunduri. As a physician assistant, if there is something I do not feel comfortable diagnosing, I always speak with Dr. Chunduri.
When surgery is needed, most patients schedule a pre-operative visit one to two weeks before surgery. The patients will meet for pre-operative counseling prior to proceeding with surgery. At that visit we discuss expectations, restrictions after surgery, wound care and any red flag signs. We will also talk about the risks of surgery. You will be required to sign surgical consent forms, and be fit with the appropriate brace at this appointment.
I assist Dr. Chunduri in surgery as well. This interaction leads to a more efficient procedure and decreasing risks for the patient as well as consistency in the operating room. After surgery, I will check your incision, review medications and post-op restrictions, recheck x-rays, and begin the appropriate post-operative physical therapy. Abnormal findings of any kind are reported to Dr. Chunduri at this time. Dr. Chunduri usually follows patients for one year after any surgical procedure. I will generally see you throughout this period, unless you request otherwise.
My sole purpose is to provide additional access to health care. I am an additional resource for patients on behalf of Beacon Orthopaedics and Dr. Jaideep Chunduri.