Who do physician assistants work with?

Physician assistants work with doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and other key healthcare professionals. Here is a closer look at the medical professionals that physician assistants work with:

• Doctors. Physician assistants work with doctors and physicians to conduct patient exams. Here they attempt to diagnose patients and assist with devising appropriate plans for treatment. They might also participate in recording medical histories, order and interpret diagnostic tests, and prescribe medication for patients.
• Nurses and medical assistants. In some cases a physician assistant might oversee a team of nurses because these professionals are considered higher up on the healthcare hierarchy than nurses. They might direct nurses or medical assistants in their patient care activities, or assist them with basic medical procedures.
• Other key healthcare professionals. Physician assistants communicate with other healthcare providers, help educate patients on conditions and treatments, and make any necessary patient referrals to other doctors and specialists. They might also monitor a patient's progress on a daily basis, and consult with doctors for changes if needed.