New funding for physician assistants

TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2012 /CNW/ - On the occasion of National Physician Assistant Day and on behalf of all of Ontario's doctors, I would like to take a moment to recognize physician assistants for their hard work and dedication to patients. The role of physician assistants supporting Ontario's doctors is integral to the health-care system.

Physician assistants work alongside physicians in emergency departments, community health centres and Family Health Teams to conduct patient interviews, histories, physical examinations; perform selected diagnostic and therapeutic interventions; order and interpret patient laboratory and radiological results; and counsel patients on preventative health care.

Physician assistants are having a positive impact on Ontario's health-care system by improving wait times and enhancing access to services.  Physicians who have added a physician assistant to their practice report better continuity of care for their patients.

Working in partnership with the Ontario government to create this program, we are supportive of the role that physician assistants play in the health-care system.  We are also pleased to announce that the tentative physician services agreement includes funding to expand the availability of physician assistants in certain primary care models.

By working collaboratively with physician assistants and other health care professionals, we can deliver high quality services and provide timely access to every Ontarian across the province.

Dr. Doug Weir, President
Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

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