What is a Physician Assistant (PA-C)?

The physician assistant (PA-C) is a unique health care provider who is certified by the State Board of Medicine or the State Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners.  The Boards approve for certification physician assistans who are of good character and reputation, have graduated from a physician assistant training program certified by the Board, and have passed a national certifying examination approved by the Board. The PA is neither a physician nor a physician tranee, e.g., resident, intern, or medical student.

At the direction of a supervising physician and as his employee, the PA provides medical services and other tasks as allowed by law. The physician assistant augments the physician's data gathering abilities in order to assist the supervising physician in reaching and instituting care plans for the physician's patients.

Tasks performed by physician assistants include screening patients to determine the need for medical attention, reviewing patient records to determine health status, taking a patient history, performing a physical examination, recording patient data, making decisions regarding data gathering and appropriate management and treatment of patients being seen for the initial evaluation of a problem or the follow-up evaluation of a previously diagnosed and stabilized condition, preparing patient summaries, initiating requests for commonly performed initial laboratory studies, collecting specimens, identifying findings and abnormal findings on history, physical examinations and lab studies, initiating evaluation and emergency management for emergency situations, performing numerous clinical procedures, and providing counseling and instruction regarding common patient problems. Each supervising physician designates in writing how the physician assistant will provide assistance.

Patient have the right to be seen by the physician instead of the PA. If this is your wish, please inform our office personnel. Please direct any questions, comments, or concerns about physician assistants to your physician.

What is a joint?

A joint is the junction of two or more bones; an articulating hinge. Examples include the knee, shoulder , elbow, and hip joints.

What is a tendon? Ligament? Cartilage?

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. A ligament is an elastic band of tissue that connects bone to bone and provides stability to a joint. Cartilage is a soft, gel-like padding between bones that protects joints and facilitates movement.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease. It is caused by injury or years of use. It results when the smooth cartilage between the bone joints wears out or is damaged by injury or disease.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation of the lining of the joints. It tends to be present for many years. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects many joints and can lead to damage of cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone. This may cause deformity of the joints. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not yet fully understood as it varies from person to person.

Why do bones wear out?

Bones change with age, becoming less elastic and more brittle. In addition joints between bones may become rough as the cartilage wears out.

Should I apply ice or heat to an injury?

Ice packs and heat pads are among the most commonly used treatments in orthopedics. Ice treatment is most commonly used for acute injuries. If you have a recent injury (within the last 48 hours) where swelling is a problem, you should use ice treatment. Ice packs can help minimize swelling around the injury. Ice treatments may also be used for chronic conditions such as overuse injuries in athletics. In this case, ice the injured area after activity for twenty minutes; never before activity. Be sure to not place the ice directly on your skin.

Heat treatments should be used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area. Use heat treatments on chronic conditions, such as overuse injuries, before participating in activities. Never leave heating pads or towels on for extended periods or while sleeping.

What is a cortisone injection?

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone is not a pain relieving medication, it only treats inflammation. If pain is decreased from cortisone, it is because the inflammation is diminished. Very high concentrations of cortizone can be injected into a particular area of inflammation, while keeping potential side-effects to a minimum. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up to several weeks. The shot can be slightly painful, especially when given into a joint, but in skilled hands it usually is well tolerated.