Compare 124 physician assistants in Piedmont, CA. Check ratings, insurance, and availability.
A PA visit follows the same format as a physician visit: health history, physical exam, diagnosis, and treatment plan. PAs can order labs, imaging, and referrals. They prescribe medications in all 50 states. Appointments typically last 15 to 30 minutes. PAs consult with the supervising physician for complex or unusual cases. In surgical practices, the PA may see you for pre-op and post-op visits while the surgeon performs the procedure.
You might see a PA in virtually any medical setting: primary care, urgent care, the emergency department, a surgical practice, or a specialty clinic. PAs handle routine visits, sick appointments, chronic disease management, pre-operative evaluations, minor procedures (suturing, joint injections, biopsies), and post-surgical follow-ups. In surgical specialties, PAs often perform the initial consultation and assist during surgery. If you are seen in an urgent care clinic or ER, there is a good chance your provider will be a PA.
Office visit copay: $20-50 · Urgent care visit: $30-75 copay · Procedure (biopsy, injection): covered at specialist rate · ER visit with PA: same as physician ER copay
All insurance plans cover PA visits at the same copay level as physician visits. Medicare reimburses PA services at 85% of the physician fee schedule, but your copay is based on the allowed amount and remains the same. PAs are listed in insurance provider directories. PA-performed procedures (suturing, biopsies, joint injections) are covered the same as when performed by a physician.