PAs are vital to healthcare. The Affordable Care Act, which was enacted in 2010, recognized PAs for the first time as one of three primary care providers (PAs, Nurse Practitioners and Physicians). The law also empowered PAs to lead patient-centered medical teams. Team-based care is at the core of a PA’s training. PAs practice in a collaborative relationship with other members of a patient’s healthcare team. This combination is a major source of their strength.

PAs are experts in general medicine. They undergo rigorous medical training. Before they can practice, PAs must graduate from an accredited program and pass the PA National Certifying Exam (PANCE), administered by the National Commission on Certification of PAs. Then, they must receive a license from the state in which they wish to practice.

Like physicians and NPs, PAs must complete extensive continuing medical education throughout their careers.

PAs are trusted healthcare providers. Studies have shown that when PAs practice to the full extent of their abilities education and experience, hospital readmission rates and lengths of stay decrease and infection rates go down. A Harris Poll found extremely high satisfaction rates among Americans who interact with PAs. The survey found that 93 percent regard PAs as trusted healthcare providers, 92 percent said that having a PA makes it easier to get a medical appointment and 91 percent believe that PAs improve the quality of healthcare.

*formerly known as Physician Assistants

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Anyone who is interested in learning more or being a part of this group can go to the new MSPA webpage. All MS professionals interested in mental health issues are encouraged to join.

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PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty. 

They treat patients in:

  • MS Clinics
  • Academic Settings
  • VA practices
  • Rural and urban community health centers
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Home care agencies
  • Palliative care programs
  • Acute care units

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Advanced Perspectives in MS: A Virtual Journal Club Series for the Advanced Practice Multiple Sclerosis Clinician

Due to the complex challenges presented by multiple sclerosis, the ever-changing landscape of treatment options, and the evolving nature of care trends for patients, it is vitally important that clinicians treating MS patients have access to the latest information available regarding the disease. Journal articles are a perfect example of the timely education that is required to keep pace with the current clinical environment. These articles are normally fairly brief, which allows busy practitioners to fit education into their schedule in manageable blocks of time. Additionally, research which is newly published in journals, typically contains the most up-to-date information available, eliminating the need to check for accuracy. These live and enduring webinars will offer continuing education credits for physicians, PAs, nursing professionals, and pharmacists (if applicable) and will occur every other month for five sessions. Following the live broadcast, the event will be archived for one year.

Click here to view the activity