Why choose to see a physician assistant as your provider?

by Olivia Hovis, PA-C

What is a Physician Assistant (PA)? 

A physician assistant is a nationally-certified and state-licensed medical professional who has undergone extensive medical training. PA’s are licensed to diagnose, prevent, and treat medical problems as part of a team. In addition to completing an accredited program, PA’s must also complete a total of over 2,000 hours of clinical training through rotations in every field of medicine. Ultimately, in order to practice, PA’s must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE). To maintain licensure, they obtain over 100 hours annually of continued medical education. 

Why choose to see a PA? 

Most patients want to get an appointment as quickly as possible, and it is typically faster and easier to see a physician assistant. PA’s usually have the luxury of spending more time one-on-one with the patients in office. Studies perpetually show that patient satisfaction and outcomes are identical whether the patient sees a PA or a doctor. PA’s practice collaboratively and work as a team towards providing the best quality of care.

What do PA’s do at Premier Women’s Care of Southwest Florida?

Our PA’s offer a variety of services in-office, including: 

• Annual Exams
  
• Medicare breast and pelvis visits
  
• ER/hospital follow ups 
  
• Birth control consultations
  
• IUD insertion and removal
  
• Endometrial biopsy
  
• STD testing 
  
• Imaging results review 
  
• Problem visits
  
• Confirmation of pregnancy visits 

Our PA’s also assist the doctors in surgeries, including laparoscopic, robotic, and open procedures for hysterectomy, myomectomy, cystectomy, and prolapse repair. 

Call (239) 432-5858 or visit our Patient Portal to schedule an appointment with one of our physician assistants.