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An official publication of the ACR and the ARP serving rheumatologists and rheumatology professionals

How to Incorporate a Physician Assistant Into Your Rheumatology Practice

Daniel F. Battafarano, DO  |  Issue: June 2013  |  

PAs can be an invaluable asset to the rheumatology healthcare team. With optimal training and the appropriate rheumatology patient mix, PAs can provide timely rheumatology care and effective outcomes, while enhancing patient safety and satisfaction. Recruiting and training PAs for the rheumatology workforce will allow wonderful opportunities in subspecialty practice and increase patients’ access to rheumatology care.

Dr. Battafarano is chair of the rheumatology service of San Antonio Military Medical Center, adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, and a member of the ARHP Practice Committee.

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References

  1. Deal CL, Hooker R, Harrington T, et al. The United States rheumatology workforce: Supply and demand, 2005-2025. Arthritis Rheum. 2007;56:722-729.
  2. Hooker RS. The extension of rheumatology services with physician assistants and nurse practitioners. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2008;22:523-533.
  3. Hooker RS. Role delineation of rheumatology physician assistants. J Clin Rheumatol. 2008;14:202-205.
  4. Woodmansee DJ, Hooker RS. Physician assistants working in the department of Veterans Affairs. JAAPA. 2010;23:41-44.

Resources for Your Practice

Rheum2Learn

The ACR/ARHP website—www.rheumatology.org—includes an online course for physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) called the Advanced Rheumatology Course, which is located in the “Education and Careers” section of the website. This course consists of 19 modules ranging from basic science to common rheumatic diseases. “Module Five: Documentation, Coding and Practice Issues,” covers scope of practice, reimbursement for NP/PAs, and strategies to facilitate successful practice relationships.

Another ACR opportunity for PA training is Rheum2Learn, located in the “Workforce and Training” section of the website. This curriculum was designed for internal medicine program directors and residents to use during a rheumatology rotation. The topics are outlined to match the six core competencies required by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Be sure to read the July issue for more on Rheum2Learn.

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