[Debbie Sue]

I've been toying with the idea of dropping the endo's PA that is treating my diabetes and insisting on the actual endo treating me. He, the actual endo dr., already sees me for Hyperparathyroidism. I ended up with the PA because of the long waiting list for the endo.

Are PA's ok for this or should I switch? And if they aren't doctors, how do you refer to one? Mr./Mrs./Ms.?

(I hope I'm not posting too often)

[davef]

Originally Posted by Debbie Sue

I've been toying with the idea of dropping the endo's PA that is treating my diabetes and insisting on the actual endo treating me. He, the actual endo dr., already sees me for Hyperparathyroidism. I ended up with the PA because of the long waiting list for the endo.

Are PA's ok for this or should I switch?

If you are already seeing him for another treatment, I'd think it would make sense for him to be looking after everything as he will have a more complete picture, and you may save some money!

Originally Posted by Debbie Sue

And if they aren't doctors, how do you refer to one? Mr./Mrs./Ms.?

I don't actually know, in Ireland people become Doctors but when they become specialists (consultants) they go back to being "Mr", always puzzled me why after doing extra study they end up with the same prefix as I have without any study . My rule of thumb, is if they call me by my first name (and I prefer when they do) then I use their first name.

Originally Posted by Debbie Sue

(I hope I'm not posting too often)

Debbie, don't ever worry about posting too much, geez look at the number of posts I have hit (somewhere around 1300), I'm only here for 6 months!

Ask lots of questions, it helps you and also people who read your posts.

[poodlebone]

I see a nurse practitioner/CDE and not an endo. I saw the endo only one time, at my first visit. Sometimes I wonder if I should switch but I guess my CDE is okay. I don't know how it works with a PA, but in New York a nurse practitioner can write most prescriptions, so she write for everything I need, orders lab tests etc.

I call her by her first name.

If you are uncomfortable with the treatment you're getting from the PA then I would request that your diabetes car be transferred back to the endo.

[Alice]

This is an interesting question. I have never seen a "PA" and not sure what is their educational background. At my doctor, the PA justs takes blood pressure and gets file ready for the endo.

I have a friend who was just "diagnosed" as a Type 2 by a PA. I asked her what the doctor said and she said she never saw the doctor (internist)...this really bothers me.

Plus, why pay a doctor bill when you aren't seeing the doctor? This trend is very troubling.

I know many doctors use nurse practitioners...but that is a different level of education than a PA, I believe.

I always thought the nursing degrees ran something like this (but someone in nursing please correct me...I'm not sure)

1) Physicians assistant (similar to a two-year degree or trade school)
2) Licensed nurse
3) Registered nurse (4 year degree)
4) nurse practicioner (continued edu after 4-year nursing degree)

Then, some are certified in fields such as diabetes education.

Regardless, they all do excellent jobs. But I would prefer to see a doctor if that's what they are billing me for...

[Alice]

Here's a Wikipedia definition of a PA...I think I was confusing with a medical assistant.

I guess my feeling is whether the particular PA is knowledgeable about your case...or not. Like any doctor, they will vary...I will stick to the endo's...

Physician assistant - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Janlaton]

When I saw a PA her name tag just had her first name so that is what I called her. Usually the PA is in contact with the others in a practice. Ask if she is in consult with the Endo if not ask if she can be. If she says "no". I would ask for my next appt to be with the endo since you already see him. No need to have 2 doc if one can do the job.

[kgm0612]

Debbie.........how long have you been seeing the PA, and are you not satisfied with the care you're getting from him/her? If this PA has been working for your endo for a considerable amount of time, I would assume he/she has taken specialty classes in diabetes and should be qualified to treat patients on his/her own without having to run to the endo for answers to patient's questions.

My sister-in-law is a Nurse Practitioner specializing in family medicine. She also has extensive training in dermatology and cardiology, and is required to obtain a certain amount of credits (CDE's) within a 3-year period. She attends at least 3 specialty seminars a year. Her patients call her by her first name (Cindy) because she is not a doctor.

My endo doesn't have a PA or NP, but if he did, I wouldn't hesitate to be seen by one. I do see the NP at my GYN's office and she is fantastic.

Karen

[Debbie Sue]

The PA that I saw the day I was diagnosed, called in my prescriptions to the pharmacy, but didn't write them out. One time she did consult with the endo, but I never saw him. I am concerned even more because I don't understand what this person is/does actually. Who would I talk to about this situation at the clinic? I was told by the receptionist not to call the PA a doctor because she's not. I'm really confused now.

[ladytaz]

Originally Posted by Debbie Sue

The PA that I saw the day I was diagnosed, called in my prescriptions to the pharmacy, but didn't write them out. One time she did consult with the endo, but I never saw him. I am concerned even more because I don't understand what this person is/does actually. Who would I talk to about this situation at the clinic? I was told by the receptionist not to call the PA a doctor because she's not. I'm really confused now.

A PA is pretty much a physician, but, with out the Doctorate. They usually know just as much as a bona fide physician. They study all the same things as the "actual" physician.

PA's work in conjunction with a Physician, sort of like an "understudy". For the most part, they are just as good a seeing the actual physician.

So as long as you don't have any issues with the PA you've been seeing, then there really isn't any reason to not see her. Though, there are some people who only want to see a bona fide physician! It's just a personal preference of a patient.

I've seen both my Endo and his PA. I like both just as well, and feel I get just as good of care from either one of them.

As for what to call her, call her by either or first name, or Ms/Mrs Last Name. In fact, why don't you ask her what she would prefer to be called!

[princesslinda]

PA's can write prescriptions in 39 states, not sure if your state is one of those. I saw a PA at one point, and she introduced herself "Hi, I'm Mary Jones, please call me Mary." I liked her and felt she spent MORE time with me than the doctor ever did.

I've learned far more by my own research and this forum than I have from any physician. I'm basically looking for someone to help me manage my diabetes. If they listen, take me seriously and give me what I need, i'm happy. If you're not happy with your doc, look around, ask your friends if they like their docs, then switch to one you feel comfortable with.

[HelenM]

Sorry Debbie bit off topic (history lesson)

in Ireland people become Doctors but when they become specialists (consultants) they go back to being "Mr", always puzzled me why after doing extra study they end up with the same prefix as I have without any study .

All doctors?
In the UK,and N. Ireland, its only surgeons that revert to Mr/Mrs/Miss when they become consultants.Its a tradition going back to the 18th century when training for surgery was organised by the surgeons company (later Royal college of surgeons) and unlike the training for physicians didn't involve going to university and getting a doctorate. Today after initial qualifications granted by a university, specialist qualifications in surgery are still granted by the RCS so when the surgeon gains consultant status recognition by this body, s/he becomes Mr etc again.

[kgm0612]

Debbie...........here's a good site that explains exactly what a PA is and the duties that he/she performs.

What is PA?


Karen

[Debbie Sue]

Originally Posted by kgm0612

Debbie...........here's a good site that explains exactly what a PA is and the duties that he/she performs.

What is PA?


Karen

Thank you Karen! That was a very informative read. So far, the PA is doing fine. I just hope she can tolerate me when I go bonkers about something I don't understand. lol!