Physician Assistant

Do physician assistants get sued? Of course, they do, but based on seventeen years of data from the National Practitioner Data Bank, nationwide physician assistant malpractice demonstrates lower malpractice incidence and average payment amounts compared to MDs and advance practice nurses! Can I get aWhoot Whoot for PAs! PA Malpractice Incidence There isone malpractice payment for every 32.5 PAs while there was one for every 2.7 physicians. That is, the composite payment rate for physicians was twelve times that of PAs over the full study period. Average Malpractice Payment Amount PA average and median payments for malpractice lawsuits were less than that of physicians and advanced practice nurses (APNs). The average and median APN payments were the highest at $350,540 and $190,898.The average and median physician payments were $301,150 and $150,821The average and median PA payments were $173,128 and $80,003. The physician adjusted mean payment was 1.74 times higher than PAs but only 0.86 that of APNs. The physician adjusted median payments were 1.89 times that of PAs but only 0.79 that of APNs. Why are advanced practice nurse malpractice rates higher? Are they reckless practitioners? It is speculated that advanced practice nurse median payments are higher than that of physicians and PAs because the proportion of APNs who work in the high-risk specialties of anesthesia and obstetrics is higher. The proportion of malpractice payments for nurse anesthetists (47%) and nurse midwives (25%) was 72% of total APN payments. Reasons for Disciplinary Action The most common reason for disciplinary action by state and federal monitoring bodies was the same for all three provider types. The most common disciplinary action was a licensing action (suspension or termination of license) by licensing authorities and the most common reasons for the licensing action were for unethical conduct and alcohol/substance abuse. Top Reasons for PA Malpractice Claims The most common reasons for Advanced Practice Nurse malpractice claims were for obstetric and anesthesia errors. This is due to the disproportionate number of APNs who practice in these specialties compared to physicians and PAs. If these are excluded, the top-ranking reasons for malpractice payments were the same for PAs and APNs. In order, they are: Errors in diagnosisErrors in treatmentMedication errorsSurgical errors For physicians, they were in order errors in diagnosis, surgery, treatment, obstetrics, and medication. What can PAs can do to avoid medical malpractice? Recent research suggests that patient communication, compassion and apologizing for mistakes are major deterrents of malpractice litigation. So for Gods sake be nice to your patients. Take time to listen to and address their concerns. Its your patients life, not your license, that should always bethe foundationof your decision-making. Tweet That! The following is an excerpt from the bookBecoming A Physician Assistant by Jody Tomic PA-C. Download it forfree on Kindle Unlimited: How PAs Can Avoid Malpractice Many lawsuits against PAs and their supervising physicians cite the failure of the PA to contact the physician. The PA may fail to recognize the significance of a finding on the history and physical examination and not see the need for contact. Comprehensive protocols, as well as ongoing education, can help minimize this risk. A physician assistant may be apprehensive about disturbing their supervising physician with frequent questions. Both the supervising physician and the PA must cultivate a collaborative relationship, so the PA feels comfortable asking any questions necessary to provide excellent patient care and safety. The PA should always have reliable contact information for the supervising physician. A preceptor of mine told me about a PA who was monitoring a man hospitalized with the flu. The man complained that he was having trouble breathing, and the PA was afraid to bother her supervising physician at home. It turned out that the man had developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome. GBS often follows a minor illness, such as a lung infection or gastrointestinal infection. Most of the time, signs of the infection have disappeared before the symptoms of GBS begin. It can result in ascending paralysis that may affect the diaphragm, requiring breathing assistance. The patient died, and the PA and physician were sued. Obviously, the physician should encourage communication from his/her PA because he is liable for their errors. The PA should realize that he or she can also be sued. So, even if the doctor is testy about being called, do it anyway. If communication with your supervising physician is bad, you should take steps to remedy the situation, including finding a new job. Patients lives depend on your communication and teamwork. Most of the time, doctors cover iPAs under their malpractice insurance. You should definitely have a dialogue to confirm this. The question also arises whether mid-level practitioners should obtain their own malpractice insurance. When the employer is your only insurer, your best interest may not be your employer's best interest. With personal malpractice coverage, you have an attorney who represents you, not your employer. Some basic types of malpractice insurance are Claims Made and Occurrence. Claims Made insurance covers you for incidents that occur during the term of the insurance, only if they are reported during the coverage period. Occurrence coverage covers you for incidents that occur during the coverage period, regardless of when they are reported. So if a patient sues you one year after the incident occurred and your Claims Made policy has lapsed, you will not be covered. You might want to discuss this with your employer. Its a good idea to take some continuing education courses on risk management. Good documentation, excellent communication, and detailed protocols for emergency situations are all important ways to avoid exposure. Finally, if you feel uncomfortable performing a procedure or prescribing a medication, listen to your intuition and get help. If you arent sure about anything, ask. The only stupid question is the one that isnt asked. How to Get More Information on PA Malpractice Insurance I often receive emails from PA school graduates and practicing PAs regarding malpractice insurance and supplemental coverage. Personally, I have never purchased additional coverage above that provided by my employer. But there are times where you may need to purchase your own plan, or you may want to speak with someone to see if the coverage you have is enough. TheAAPA has a resource pageand has partnered with an insurance vendor. This may be an excellent place to start. At a minimum, make sure you have a hard copy of your insurance policy, understand your coverage levels, and keep this copy in a safe place. If you have been at an institution for a while, call HR or speak with the office manager and make sure your policy is active and up-to-date. I worked for a year without coverage once and had no idea! Take-home point: Don't rely on office managers to protect your future and that of your loved ones! References: Expert pages: Physician Assistant Malpractice History You may also like -The 5 Best Books for Aspiring Physician Assistants Are you looking for the best books on how to get into PA school? The sheer number of books and resources for those interested in PA school or wishing to learn more about the PA Professions has grown in lockstep with the PA []What are the Best PA Schools? Physician Assistant School Rankings Does the PA school you attend really make a difference? When it comes to finding a job, probably not so much, but when it comes to obtaining superb clinical experience along with solid faculty, excellent academics, and a top rate []The Best Medical iPhone and iPad Apps for Physicians, PAs, and Medical StudentsMedical App Directory for iPhone on iTunes Anesthesiology Anesthesiology i-pocketcards $3.99 Designed for both the iPhone and the iPad, this app is a clinical reference guide with a compilation of scores, classification, algorithm [] Physician Assistant PA School is Expensive It goes without saying, PA school is expensive. PA school is also demanding, which means you will have limited time (if any) to work while attending school. With the average undergraduate education debt prior to PA school at $36,300 and the average anticipated debt load from PA school at $75,000-$124,000, it is important that you have a rock-solid plan for how you are going to pay for your PA school education. Funding sources vary and federal loan programs will probably form the foundation of your assistance package, many states also offer financial aid funding. Additionally, there are specialized scholarships, traineeships, and loan programs available. Remember apply the resources for scholarships and grants before you accept loans. Then, only accept loans that you need. Work closely with your financial aid department. They will be able to inform you about special loans and scholarships for which you may be eligible. Federal and State Resources Numerous loans and grants guaranteed by the federal government are available to qualified students. Visit the website for Federal Student Aid sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate studentswho demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. Direct Unsubsidized Loansare loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but in this case, the student does not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the loan. TheFederal Perkins Loan Programis a school-based loan program for undergraduates and graduate students with exceptional financial need. Under this program, the school is a lender. You must check with your school'sfinancial aid officeto see if your school participates in the Federal Perkins Loan Program Federal Stafford Student Loan Program:These loans are offered through your bank, credit union, or other lending institutions.Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year up to a total of $65,000.To qualify for a Stafford loan, you must demonstrate financial need as determined by the CM formula mentioned above. The interest rate varies. These loans are based on need, not creditworthiness. Therefore, no cosigner is necessary. State sources of financial assistance include an agency in each state that guarantees federal student loans. Also, some states offer their own educational assistance programs with loans or grants. Check with your financial aid office to locate the office(s) in your home state. Tax Credits are another option to explore. Scholarships and Traineeships Americorpsis a national network of hundreds of programs throughout the U.S. and is open to U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful permanent residents aged 17 or older. This program helps pay for education in exchange for a year of service. The Indian Health Service(IHS)Scholarship program provides financial assistance for American Indian and Alaskan Native (federally recognized only) students enrolled in health professions and allied health professions programs.The IHS Loan Repayment Program (LRP) was created to support this mission by providing health professionals the financial freedom to fulfill your career goals. The IHS LRP awards up to $20,000 per year for the repayment of your qualified student loans in exchange for an initial two-year service obligation to practice full time at an Indian health program site. The National Health Service Corps Program(NHSC) is a competitive federal program. Students dedicated to practicing primary care in communities of greatest need can compete for educational scholarships. I was an NHSC Scholar and you can read more about that here. They also offer a generous loan repayment program in exchange for 2 years service in a designated healthcare shortage area (see the next section below). The Physician Assistant Foundation offers competitive scholarships for PA students who are currently attending an accredited PA program, are in the professional phase of the program and are student members of AAPA. Visit the Foundation web pages for a current application or see below. The United States Navy Health Services Collegiate Program is designed to providefinancial incentives for college students in designated health care professions while completing baccalaureate degree requirements. The U.S. Army Health Care team offers a three-year loan repayment program for any PA- C who wants to serve as an Army PA. PAs for Latino Health (PALH), a Caucus of the AAPA, offers a $500 scholarship to currently enrolled PA students each year. The Tennessee Physician Assistant Foundation awards the following scholarships each year at FallFest, TAPAs fall continuing medical education (CME) conference. Loans, Repayment Programs, and Consolidation Services The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Loan Repayment Program is available to PAs in primary care or current students who plan to become primary care providers after graduation. You must agree to provide primary care services in a priority health professional shortage area for a minimum of two years. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program:The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. Physician assistants qualify. IMPORTANT: Loan forgiveness is an option after 10 years of payments, but it may not be an option if you refinance your loan during that period. So make sure you read the fine print! Sallie Mae Tuition Pay Plans provide quality, low-cost, innovative solutions to paying for education. Tuition Pay is an interest-free plan that lets you break down the large lump-sum payments due at the beginning of each semester into easy-to-manage installments. Common Bond: Ever wished your student loans could have a positive effect on society? Common Bond seeks to "reimagine finance based on our belief that business has a responsibility to further social good and promote welfare outside of its immediate customer base." Common Bond is unique in that they bring a 1-for-1 model to education through Social Promise. For every fully funded degree on the CommonBond platform, they fund the education of a student in need for one year through the nonprofit Pencils of Promise. They even fund a trip to Ghana with Pencils of Promise so that borrowers (and employees) can go and meet some of the children who the Social Promise has helped to fund. Insider's tip:Looking to refinance a loan? Magnify Money is awonderful website that lets you compare and contrast student loan options. Just beware that if you have federal loans, refinancing to private loans may result in losing protections like special repayment plans (such as the public loan forgiveness program) that can help you in a time of need. Make sure you can comfortably afford your new payments if you refinance. And take the time to get rates from several providers. AAPA Constituent Organization Scholarships The Physician Assistant Foundation offers competitive scholarships for PA students who are currently attending an accredited PA program, are in the professional phase of the program and are student members of AAPA. Visit the Foundation website for a current application. Here are some of their current offerings.The 16 PA students who were awarded scholarships during the 2016 application cycle are listedhere. Thefollowing scholarships will be awardedfor the 2017 cycle(click on the link under each to apply): PA Foundation Scholarship 9 to be awarded @ $1,000 each Open to all applicants who meet the general eligibility criteria listed above. Apply for PA Foundation Scholarship AAPA Past Presidents Scholarship 1 to be awarded@ $1,000 Awarded to studentswho demonstrate service leadership through their PA program or through a community health organization/project. Apply for AAPA Past Presidents Scholarship NCCPA Endowed Scholarship 2 to be awarded@ $2,000 each Awarded tounderrepresented minority studentsand/or those who areeconomically and/or educationally disadvantaged(see definitions of these criteriahere). Apply for NCCPA Endowed Scholarship AAPA Rural Health Caucus Scholarship and Ron Nelson Memorial Scholarship 3 to be awarded@ $2,000 each Awarded tostudents from a rural area who are committed to serving a rural community. Apply for AAPA Rural Health Caucus Scholarship/Ron Nelson Memorial Scholarship Ron Pace Memorial Scholarship 1 to be awarded@ $1,000 Awardedto a Florida-based studentwho is a veteran or the child/dependent of a veteran. Named in memory of Ron Pace, a Florida Academy of Physician Assistants past president and AAPA Outstanding PA of the Year Award recipient, who served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. Apply for Ron Pace Memorial Scholarship Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology offers a $2,500 award for PA students. The award consists of two parts: $500 to help with travel to AAPA's Annual Conference to receive the award and $2,000 (unrestricted). Apply by March 1st. California Academy of Physician Assistants offers three annual student scholarships for student members. Apply online by December 31. Lesbian, Bisexual, and Gay Physician Assistant Caucus offer $1,000 grants for two PA students to attend AAPA's Annual Conference to help foster involvement and awareness of the caucus within the AAPA. Apply by January 15. Pennsylvania Society of Physician Assistants has six annual student leadership scholarships and three scholarships for students who choose to enter the writing competition. Apply online by June 30. Physician Assistant Academy of Vermont offers a scholarship of $1,000 and free attendance at the annual PAAV Winter CME Conference for PA students who are residents of Vermont. Apply by June 30. Physician Assistants in Orthopedic Surgery offers one or two $500 scholarships from the Susan Lindahl Memorial Scholarship Fund, established to encourage young PA students to enter the field of orthopedics. Apply by August 15. The Society of Army Physician Assistants honors the memory of Captain Sean P. Grimes, through the Captain Sean P. Grimes Physician Assistant Educational Scholarship Award. Apply by February 1st. The AAPA Veterans Caucus Scholarship seeks to recognize the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in a PA program. Note: Grants are similar to scholarships, and availability is based on resources and financial need. When you submit your FAFSA form, you will be considered for Pell Grants. Also, check your place of employment, organizations, and place of worship for any grants for which you may be eligible. Scholarships and Grants Awarded by the AAPA Student Academy Outstanding Student Society Description: This award recognizes three student societies for their outstanding service to the profession. How to apply: Download the Student Academy Outstanding Student Society Award application Award/Prize: $500 for each of the three top placing programs Additional details: All of these student societies documented their work in the following categories: public education and advocacy of the profession, public service, and outreach, promotion of the diversity and professional involvement. Seventy-five percent membership is required to participate in this award. Student Academy Travel Grant Awards Description: A $500 grant for AOR student society representatives and Student Academy selected HOD student delegates or alternates to minimize travel expenses to the annual conference. Eligibility Criteria: HOD students must be one of the selected students; all applicants should be members of AAPA How to apply: Download the Student Academy Travel Grant application Student Academy PA Student Mentor Award Description: This award recognizes a PA who has demonstrated exemplary service to PA students and has furthered the leadership, educational, and professional development of PA students. Eligibility Criteria: none specified How to apply or nominate someone: Download the Student Academy PA Student MentorAward application Student Academy PAragon Student Award Description: This award honors a PA student who has demonstrated exemplary service as a PA student. Eligibility Criteria: Need at least 5 applicants; student should be a member of AAPA How to apply or nominate someone: Download the Student Academy PAragon StudentAward application If you have any questions about these scholarships and grants, you can contact theStudent Academy Staff at the following email address: students@aapa.org. Unites States MilitaryService and Loan Repayment Programs National Guard Healthcare Bonuses and Loans Physician Assistants and Social Workers: $20,000 per year for a three-year contract $15,000 per year for a two-year contract $10,000 per year for a one-year contract National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program Must have 1 or more qualifying and disbursed Title IV federal loans State and private loans are ineligible for repayment PLUS loans are eligible Loans must be listed on the Department of Education National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) aid summary website Must enlist for a minimum 6-year term of service Must enlist for a critical skills (CS) vacancy in the grade of E-4 or below Information: Payments will not exceed $50,000 with annual repayments not to exceed the maximum amount established by law Must enlist into a qualifying position in a MTOE or Medical TDA unit only Must score a minimum of 50 on the Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) Navy Clinical Care Provider To qualify for Active Duty employment consideration as a Physician Assistant in the Navy Medical Service Corps, you must meet these basic requirements: Be a U.S. citizen currently practicing in the U.S. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university Completion of a physician assistant education program approved by the Committee onAllied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) Certification by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants(NCCPA) Be willing to serve a minimum of three years of Active Duty Be between the ages of 18 and 41 Be in good physical condition and pass a full medical examination General qualifications may vary depending upon whether you intend to serve Active Duty or Reserve Duty and whether you are currently serving, have served before or have never served before. Commissioned Corps of the U.S Public health Services: The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps offers two excellent opportunities for students to serve their country while completing or continuing their education. If you are interested in a public health career:Internship/Externship Programand Unique Financial Assistance Program Army health Professions Scholarship Program Air Force Health Professionals Scholarship Who Gets the Most Financial Aid? You might think that the families who receive the most financial aid would be the families with the most need. In fact, this is not necessarily true. The people who receive the most aid are the people who best understand the aid process. Can I afford Not To Go To PA School? Can I afford to go to PA school? The question you should be asking is: can I afford not to go to PA school? If your goal is to become a PA, then the answer to this question is easy. The worst thing you can do is shy away from applying because you think you wont be able to afford it, and then live the rest of your life wondering, What if? When I applied to the Rutgers Physician Assistant Programand spoke with students at the open house, they explained that if I were to be acceptedthe program would do its best to ensure I got through financially. They were right. I may have borrowed a little more than I intended, but the money was available and after an initial setback I ended up with a highly coveted NHSC Scholarship. As you will soon find out, there are plenty of opportunities for loans, grants, scholarships, etc. It does, however, take a little work on your part. But since you have set your goals and youre focused, you are prepared for anything. References: AAPA Student Toolkit Paying for your Physician Assistant Education Trust Me, I'm a PA Student Bonus: The Today Show recently had a very good program about loan refinancing and avoiding debt. Take a look at the video here and review their 7 ways to stop loans from ruining your life. You may also like -2017 Physician Assistant Program Tuition and Cost Comparison Table 2017 Physician Assistant Program Tuition and Cost Comparison Tuition and cost data of resident andnonresidenttuition including length and duration of all US PA programs. Average Cost of PA School in 2017 Physician assistant []How to Go to PA School for Free: The NHSC and MeI am a National Health Service Corps Scholar and a Physician Assistant There are two types of us: Those who do loan repayment. Those who are part of the scholarship program. I was one of the lucky ones who had the privilege of []How Much Does it Cost to go to Physician Assistant (PA) School?So you are considering PA school? Great, now how are you going to pay for it? With the average undergraduate education debt prior to PA school at $36,300 and the average anticipateddebt load from PA school at $112,500 it's probably []