A dermatology physician assistant (PA) is a licensed health care professional authorized to examine, test, and treat patients under the supervision of a dermatologist as part of your health care team. PAs practice in every medical and surgical specialty and have been working with dermatologists for over 40 years.

As with all PAs, dermatology PAs practice in partnership with a supervising physician and exercise autonomy in their medical decision making. The relationship between a PA and their supervising physician is one of mutual trust and respect.

The scope of the PA’s responsibilities corresponds directly to the supervising physician’s scope of practice. In general, a PA will see many of the same types of patients as the physician. Referral to the physician, or close consultation between the PA and the physician, is based on the dynamic relationship between the physician and the PA.

In general, the average length of a PA program is about 27 months. Upon completion of their formal medical education, PAs take a national certification examination. In order to maintain their national certification, PAs must earn 100 hours of continuing medical education every two years and complete a recertification exam every six years. Educated in the same medical model as physicians, PAs provide a broad range of health care services that are often the same as those you might receive from your physician.

Dermatology PAs are medically trained to:

• Obtain medical histories
• Conduct physical exams
• Diagnose and treat illnesses
• Order and interpret tests
• Develop treatment plans
• Counsel on preventative health care
• Perform general, cosmetic and surgical procedures

The delay in diagnosis of urgent dermatologic conditions and skin cancer is concerning and highlights the need for assistance from mid-level providers. By utilizing physician assistants, there is a significant reduction in patient waiting time and increase in access to dermatologic care.

Generally speaking, insurance companies will reimburse you for a visit to a PA. Medical and surgical services delivered by PAs are covered by Medicare, Tricare and nearly all private payers. Check with your insurance company for the best information.

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