LymeNet Flash: Same Level of Medical Care from Physicians Assistant

This is topic Same Level of Medical Care from Physicians Assistant in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :

Recently my ILADS LLMD recommended that I see another LLMD that is an expert in treating Lyme/Co.

Called to make an appointment today and the next available is June/July. They gave me the option of seeing the Patient Assistant who collaborates with the doctor for treatment.

Does the PA normally train under the doctor and do you receive the same quality medical care?

Needing to make a decision of whether to wait till June/July to see the doctor or see the PA within a matter of weeks. The doctor/PA is in D.C.

Would be interested in hearing from those who see Patient Assistants.

Thank you.

[ 03-16-2010, 07:50 PM: Message edited by: MorningSong ]

Posted by MariaA (Member # 9128) on :

you probably mean physician's assistant, right? Those are very qualified healthcare providers who work under a doctor's supervision.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Go for it! You're too sick to wait! and yes, it's a Phys. Assistant.

Posted by MorningSong (Member # 19989) on :

Thanks... Physicians Assistant. I'm 99.9% sure I am going to call back tomorrow and make appointment with the PA instead.

Never worked with one before so I wanted to get feedback to ensure still receiving quality care.

Posted by MusicMan (Member # 11966) on :

Hmm

Ya know? I have a few problems with using a P.A.

The biggest one is they charge you the same price, cut the price and we'll talk is what I tell my Doc and refuse the P.A.

They don't know as much as a real Doctor and good luck for them to try to talk to the Doc about a question for you while you're there. [Smile]

I think they are good people and all and great for minor colds and flu stuff but for me I want the real thing.

And I never had any problems with a P.A. on the times I've seen one. [Smile]

Steve

Posted by lpkayak (Member # 5230) on :

my pa is waaaay better than the doc(not llmd...its my primary)

Posted by Haley (Member # 22008) on :

It's better than waiting until June/July. Just get your foot in the door and set up your appointment with the doctor.

Posted by seibertneurolyme (Member # 6416) on :

Steve -- it all depends on the practice. The LLMD hubby sees used to have you see a PA for 2 visits and then see the doc the 3rd visit. For hubby since he was a complex patient the doc always came in for the last 10 or 15 minutes and made all the med decisions.

But the doc is changing his practice -- now has 4 PA's and you can't schedule a visit with the doc except for new patient appointments. But the doc will be seeing all patients for 10 or 15 minutes during every visit -- not just the complex ones.

I think this will work out, but will miss the extra face time with the doc.

Bea Seibert

Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :

I saw a PA mainly. I would see the LLMD about 3 times per year. I was fine with the PA. She was trained by him and consulted with him if she needed to. I liked working with her. No complaints.

Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :

-
A LL PA is in a far better place than a regular PA. To be a LL PA, one has to have a ton of training and has been guided by the LLMD.
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Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :

MorningSong, I'm with Lymetoo. Go for it. Get in and start getting help. June or July? That's three or four months away! Sooner the better.

You're in my prayers.

[group hug]

BTW, like Lymetoo, I'm no doctor, but I also stayed at Holiday Inn Express before.

Posted by CSTPA (Member # 10112) on :

Hey MorningSong...

I have had amazing luck with my "Lyme Physician Assistant" more so than the docs...he was the PA trained by the famous Dr. B for years and I was actually referred to him from a LLMD, I was not sure about the PA thing, but after my first 2 hour session I knew i had a gem..now I tell the receptionist that I only want to see the PA!!

As with any nurse/MD/Doc/Chiro, you will know in the first few minutes of talking to them if they are right for you and if they know what they are doing....go for a initial meeting and then follow your gut feeling.

good luck

Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :

I would call back and ask if you could make appt with assitant now; and if you can go ahead and make 2nd or 3rd appt with regular doctor in Jun/Jul. Then if you really like the assit, then just cancel appt with regular doc and make all appts with assitant.