Physician Assistants, (PAs), practice medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.

Certified Physician Assistants have passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination and are issued certification from the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants and can use the PA-C designation.

Physician Assistants (PAs) are nationally certified and state licensed medical providers trained to diagnose and treat patients, as well as prescribe medication. Thanks to an education modeled on the medical school curriculum, PAs learn to make life-saving diagnostic and therapeutic decisions while working autonomously or in collaboration with other members of the health care team. Our PA’s are certified as medical generalists with a foundation in primary care while specializing in neurology and multiple subspecialty areas of neurology.

PAs are experts in general medicine

Our Physician Assistants have undergone rigorous medical training in general medicine. They must graduate from an accredited PA Master’s program and pass their Board Exams in order to be licensed and certified. Like physicians and NPs, PAs must complete extensive continuing medical education throughout their careers.

PAs diagnose, treat and prescribe medicine

Thanks to an education modeled on the medical school curriculum, PAs learn to make life saving diagnostic and therapeutic decisions while working autonomously or in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team. Each of our PAs is Board Certified as medical generalists, specializing in neurology. Over the course of their careers, many of our PAs practice in two or three sub-specialty areas of neurology, giving them deep experience and the flexibility to meet the changing needs of their patients and communities.

PAs are trusted healthcare providers

Studies have shown that when PAs practice to the full extent of their abilities and training, hospital readmission rates and lengths of stay decrease and infection rates go down. A Harris Poll found extremely high satisfaction rates among Americans who interact with PAs. The survey found 93% regard PAs as trusted healthcare providers, 92%2 percent said having a PA makes it easier to get a medical appointment. Ninety-one percent believe PAs improve the quality of healthcare.

PAs are vital to healthcare

The Affordable Care Act, enacted in 2010, recognized PAs for the first time as one of three primary care providers (PAs, Nurse Practitioners and Physicians). The law also empowered PAs to lead patient-centered medical teams. Team-based care is at the core of a PA’s training. PAs can practice autonomously or in a collaborative relationship with other members of a patient’s healthcare team. This combination is a major source of their strength.

All Nurse Practitioners (NPs) must complete a master’s or doctoral degree program, and have advanced clinical training beyond their initial professional registered nurse preparation. Didactic and clinical courses prepare nurses with specialized knowledge and clinical competency to practice in primary care, acute care and long-term health care settings.

To be recognized as expert health care providers and ensure the highest quality of care, our NPs undergo rigorous National Board Certification, periodic peer review, clinical outcome evaluations, and adhere to a code for ethical practices. Self-directed continued learning and professional development is also essential to maintaining clinical competency.

NPs are expert health care providers.

Our Nurse Practitioners work autonomously as well as in collaboration with other health care professionals. They provide a full range of primary, acute and specialty health care services including:

• Ordering, performing and interpreting diagnostic tests such as lab work and CT/MRIs
• Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions
• Prescribing medications and other treatments
• Managing patients’ overall care
• Counseling and educating patients on disease prevention and positive health and lifestyle choices

NP credibility

Our NPs are more than just health care providers; they are mentors, educators, researchers, and administrators. Their involvement in professional organizations and participation in health policy activities at the local, state, national, and international levels helps to advance the role of the NP and ensure professional standards are maintained.

Unique Approach to Chronic Care Management

What sets our NPs apart from other health care providers is their unique emphasis on the health and well-being of the whole person. With a focus on health promotion, disease prevention, health education and counseling, they guide their patients in making smarter health and lifestyle choices, which in turn can lower patients’ out-of-pocket costs.

Patient satisfaction

With over 870 million visits made to NPs each year, patients report an extremely high level of satisfaction with the care they receive.