I do the majority of my doctor visits in a large city in CT, and when I go to the doctor, I see a doctor. Dermatologist, regular doctor, etc., it’s always the doctor. The nurse or other assistant may do the blood pressure and other checks, but the doctor always does the exam.

A friend who just moved to a southern state, from a county here in NY that is not a poor county but is not one of the top ones known for good medical care, told me when she went to the doctor here where she lived and also now in her new southern state, she sees a PA (Physican’s Assistant).

I am assuming her insurance is coding it for an actual doctor’s visit. She said when she has said something, they tell her that the PA is much more in depth than the doctor is. She also said because insurance companies nickel and dime the doctors, they need to do what they have to do to keep costs down.

To me, the doctor has the education and experience that the PA doesn’t have. I’m not arguing with my friend about it, because it is what it is, and it’s her care, not mine, but it doesn’t seem right.

I’m curious if this is the norm elsewhere. When you go to the doctor, do you see the actual doctor or do you see a PA?

Topics: insurance, medicine, trends, cost, medical care