Why am I scheduled with a PA?

Why Am I Seeing a PA?

If you’re at our clinic and hear you’ll be seeing a PA, you might wonder what that means.

First, let’s define what exactly that title means. A PA, or physician associate/physician assistant, is a highly trained healthcare professional who works closely with doctors to provide top-notch care. At Rheumatology Partners of Houston, our PAs are skilled, caring experts you can trust to help you feel better.

What Does a PA Do?

PAs are licensed to:

Diagnose conditions like arthritis or lupus
Create personalized treatment plans
Prescribe medications
Perform procedures, like joint injections
Explain your health in a way that’s easy to understand

They team up with our rheumatologists to ensure you get excellent care. PAs across the U.S. handle over 500 million patient visits a year, and ours are some of the best, bringing warmth and expertise to every appointment.

Why Am I Seeing a PA?

Our PAs are here to provide expert care, often getting you in quickly so you can start treatment sooner. They specialize in rheumatology, helping with conditions like:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Lupus
Chronic back pain
Tendinitis or bursitis

You’ll likely see them in our clinic (where over 50% of PAs work) or sometimes in a hospital setting (about 37% of PA roles). Their goal is to make your visit smooth and effective.

How Are PAs Trained?

Our PAs go through rigorous training to care for you:

Education: They earn a bachelor’s degree, then a master’s degree in a PA program, which takes about 3 years. There are 308 PA programs in the U.S., and they’re tough but thorough.
Hands-On Experience: They get 2,000 hours of clinical training, working with patients under expert guidance, including in rheumatology.
Certification: PAs pass a national exam to get licensed. They stay current with 100 hours of continuing education every 2 years and retake a certification exam every 10 years.

This ensures our PAs are ready to handle your needs with confidence.

Why Trust Our PAs?

Our PAs are a key part of our team, known for their skill and compassion. They:

Help you get care when you need it, easing healthcare shortages.
Work closely with doctors to improve your health.
Listen and support you, making every visit comfortable.

A 2023 survey showed most patients value PAs for making healthcare better. Our PAs earn high praise for their ability to connect with you and provide clear, expert guidance.

What Can I Expect When I See a PA?

Your PA will listen to your concerns, check your symptoms, and examine you. They might order tests, explain your condition simply, or prescribe treatments like medications or therapy. They’re great at making complex things clear and will work with you to create a plan to feel better.

Why Choose Us?

At Rheumatology Partners of Houston, our PAs are among Houston’s finest, recognized as some of the best healthcare providers (U.S. News & World Report, 2024). Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, dealing with joint pain, or seeking answers, our PAs bring expertise and care you can count on.

This information is here to help you feel confident about your visit. If you have questions, our PAs are here to help.