Frequently Asked Questions

Topics

PAs & the PA Profession
PA Education
Scope of Practice
PA National Organizations
Discipline
Governmental Affairs
Licensure & Certification
Professional Practice
Radiology
Reimbursement
Statistics

PAs & the PA Profession

Q.	What is a Physician Assistant (PA)?
Q.	How did the Physician Assistant profession begin?
Q.	What does "PA-C" stand for? What does the "C" mean?

PA Education

Q.	How is a Physician Assistant educated?
Q.	What are the prerequisites for applying to a PA program?

PA Scope of Practice

Q.	What areas of medicine can Physician Assistants work in?
Q.	Where do PAs "draw the line" as far as what they can treat and what a physician can treat?
Q.	Can PAs prescribe medications?

PA National Organizations

Q.	What is the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)?
Q.	What is the Physician Assistant Foundation?
Q.	What is the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA)?

Discipline

Q.	What is the organization that disciplines PAs?

Governmental Affairs

Q.	How do I access the State Laws and Rules & Regulations regarding physician assistants?
Q.	Where do we stand on our legislative issues?

Licensure & Certification

Q.	How do I verify my license online?
Q.	How do I log my CME?
Q.	How do I verify current NCCPA Status?

Professional Practice

Q.	Before pharmaceutical representatives will give me drug samples, they ask me and my supervising doctor to sign a form saying that I am allowed to accept them. Why, and what should I do about this?
Q.	How many PAs may one physician supervise?
Q.	How many supervising physicians may a PA have?
Q.	Can a PA sign a death certificate?
Q.	Can a PA order restraints?
Q.	Can PAs form a PC (Professional Corporation)?
Q.	Can PAs employee a Physician?
Q.	Can PAs and Physicians form a joint PC (Professional Corporation)?

Radiology

Q.	Is a Physician Assistant able to practice and or perform medical imaging tests/procedures other than those that require the use of ionizing radiation if they do not have a license in radiologic technology?
Q.	What services can a PA with a RT license provide in the field of medical imaging?
Q.	I am aware of medical professionals who are called Radiologist Assistants. Are these individuals the same as Physician Assistants?
Q.	Who can I contact for more information regarding PAs in the field of radiology?

Reimbursement

Q.	Can a PA bill for services?
Q.	Is a PA covered under Medicare for a consultation or for performing the highest level evaluation and management CPT Code?
Q.	Do payments go to the PA or the employer?
Q.	What is a NPI?
Q.	When do I need an NPI by?
Q.	Where do I go to get my NPI?
Q.	How does Medicare reimburse for medical services provided by a PA in an office setting?
Q.	How does Medicare reimburse for medical services provided by a PA in the hospital?
Q.	Are PAs able to perform admission H&Ps or perform the regulatory 30/60-day physicals required by both CMS and the NYS DOH? Is this only for Medicaid and Medicare Part A patients?
Q.	Does fraud and abuse apply to Physician Assistants?

Statistics

Q.	How many PAs are registered in New York?
Q.	How many PA schools are there in New York and where are they?

NYSSPA's FAQs are an educational service provided by NYSSPA members. Neither NYSSPA or contributors to the FAQs make any express or implied warranties as to the information supplied, and will not be Liable to the user or anyone else for inaccuracy.

NYSSPA members recognize the professional obligation and benefit of supporting the
only state-wide organization dedicated to enhancing their professional practice
environment and ability to provide quality health care.

© 2001-2010 New York State Society of Physician Assistants, Inc.
Administrative Services: 100 North 20th Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Legislative Services: 99 Pine Street, Albany, NY 12207
1-877-SNY-RPAC | fax 215-564-2175 | info@nysspa.org
Web site questions? web1@nysspa.org