The Most Common Administrative Tasks for PAs | The Posh PA

Summary

This video script discusses the administrative duties of Physician Assistants (PAs), which often extend beyond clinical responsibilities. It highlights the importance of accurate documentation in electronic medical records, patient communication, consulting with other specialties, and managing medication refills. The speaker also touches on dealing with insurance companies for authorizations and the balance needed between clinical and administrative tasks. The overview emphasizes the varied nature of PA work, including the potential for frustration with administrative overload and the joy of patient education.

Takeaways

• 📝 Documentation is a crucial administrative task for Physician Assistants (PAs), involving charting notes and using electronic medical records systems.
• 💻 The choice between dictation and typing for charting depends on personal efficiency, with some PAs preferring to type due to speed.
• 🔍 PAs must document all patient interactions, including phone consultations, to ensure continuity of care and accurate medical records.
• 📧 Communication through the electronic medical records system is essential, avoiding the use of personal emails for patient correspondence.
• 💊 Administrative duties include managing medication refills, educating patients on their prescriptions, and documenting these interactions.
• 📞 PAs often field calls from patients, providing advice and answering questions post-appointment or hospital discharge.
• 🏥 Interacting with insurance companies for authorization of tests and handling prior authorizations is part of some PAs' responsibilities.
• 👩‍⚕️ Balancing clinical and administrative tasks is vital; if administrative work dominates, it may indicate a need for reassessment of workload distribution.
• 📈 Following up on test results and notifying patients are part of the ongoing administrative and clinical responsibilities of PAs.
• 👨‍🏫 Medical education, such as teaching patients about their medications and expected reactions, is a significant aspect of a PA's role, with associated documentation.
• 📈 Administrative responsibilities are common across healthcare professions, not limited to PAs, and include documentation, billing, and patient care continuity.

Q & A

What are some common administrative tasks that Physician Assistants (PAs) may be required to perform?

Common administrative tasks for PAs include documentation in electronic medical records, charting progress notes, handling patient phone calls and emails, consulting with other specialties, placing orders for medications and referrals, refilling medication prescriptions, and dealing with insurance companies for authorizations.

Why is documentation so important for PAs?

Documentation is crucial for ensuring continuity and continuation of care for patients. It allows for accurate record-keeping of what was seen and done for each patient, which is essential for follow-up care and communication among healthcare providers.

How has the shift to electronic medical records impacted the way PAs document their work?

The shift to electronic medical records has standardized the documentation process across healthcare settings. PAs must learn to use these systems to accurately document patient interactions, progress notes, and other necessary information.

What are some variations in how PAs might document their patient interactions?

Some programs use dictation systems for documentation, while others require typing. The method a PA chooses depends on their efficiency and preference, whether they type faster or are more comfortable dictating.

Why is it important for PAs to document phone interactions with patients?

Documenting phone interactions ensures that there is a record of any advice given, prescriptions made, or other medical decisions taken during the call. This is important for maintaining patient care continuity and for legal purposes.

How do PAs handle patient inquiries and advice requests outside of face-to-face consultations?

PAs handle such inquiries by responding to emails through the electronic medical records system, answering phone calls, and providing advice based on the patient's condition and needs. It's important to document these interactions for the patient's medical record.

What is the role of PAs in dealing with insurance companies regarding authorizations?

PAs may need to contact insurance companies to obtain authorizations for certain tests or treatments. This can involve peer-to-peer conversations with medical directors to make a case for the necessity of the ordered tests or treatments.

How can PAs balance their clinical responsibilities with administrative tasks?

PAs should ensure they are not spending more time on administrative work than on their clinical practice. If they find themselves out of balance, they should communicate with their team or administration to adjust their workload or responsibilities.

What are some administrative tasks that PAs might perform in relation to medication management?

PAs may be responsible for approving medication refills, educating patients on their medications, and documenting these interactions in the medical record. They also need to follow up on medication orders and test results.

How does the administrative workload of a PA compare to other healthcare professionals?

All roles in healthcare have some level of administrative responsibility, including documentation and billing. However, the extent of these tasks can vary depending on the specific role and practice setting.

What additional administrative responsibilities might PAs have in specialized fields like oncology?

In specialized fields like oncology, PAs may have additional responsibilities such as medical education, teaching patients about their treatments and medications, and documenting these educational sessions.