The dermatologic physician's assistant: An overview of one year's experience

The use of a physician's assistant (PA) in the specialty of dermatology is a relatively new concept. We present briefly the results of a year's trial of such an individual by a three-man corporate group. We found the PA to be a useful addition in relieving some of the burden of patient care, but neither patient flow nor income was favorably affected. Whether in the last analysis a PA generates enough additional income to justify his or her employment must depend on individual circumstances. We recommend a trial period of employment mutually agreeable to the physician and the PA.