Whenever I have a (PCP) doctor appointment, I always end up being seen by the PA...

... anybody know why?
I really liked the actual doctor and come to think of it, I've only been seen by him twice.

And what is the doctor (at a private practice, not a hospital) doing when he isn't seeing patients?

I want to be seen by my doctor, not his assistant.

Not that she isn't capable, my doctor listens better and is more caring to what's going on.
I don't even like mentioning to the PA that something hurts

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

REMsleep · 41-45, F

Unfortunately due to pay structure/ profit margins many offices have found it more financially effective to have 1 physician overseeing one or more PAs in a practice.

PAs are more that just an assistant to the physican actually. They have either a Masters Degree in general medicine or some have Phds although more rare. They are trained to work independently much as a physicaian would but they must work under the authority of an MD.

I totally get why you may want to see the Dr. You can ask in advance but often these practices kind of reserve the Dr for more complex issues.

If they act like its annoying or try to steer you back towards seeing the PA you might want to find a more old fashioned office where the Dr sees his/her own patients.

Also her bedside manner has nothing to do with her education level. Maybe the PA is just not very good.

iamnikki · 31-35, F

@REMsleep yes, and again, I wasn't saying she was incompetent. I know that the PAs are doctors.