American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

What best describes the role of Physician Assistants (PAs)?

1. They work solely in hospitals

2. They require direct supervision from physicians

3. They can independently diagnose and treat patients

4. They primarily engage in medical research

The correct answer is: They require direct supervision from physicians

The role of Physician Assistants (PAs) is best described by the fact that they require direct supervision from physicians. PAs are medical professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of a physician. This means that while they have a wide range of responsibilities, including evaluating patients, diagnosing illnesses, and developing treatment plans, they must still work collaboratively with physicians, who retain ultimate responsibility for patient care. In practice, PAs can perform many procedures and manage patient care, but their work is always in conjunction with the overseeing physician, ensuring that the standards of care are upheld. Thus, the relationship between PAs and physicians is foundational to the practice model. PAs do not work solely in hospitals, as they can be found in various healthcare settings such as private practices, outpatient clinics, and specialty offices. They also have the ability to independently diagnose and treat patients within the scope of their practice, particularly as laws and regulations in many states allow for a greater degree of autonomy. While some PAs may engage in research, it is not their primary role; their primary focus is on patient care, making the requirement for direct supervision the most defining characteristic of their practice.