Physician assistants (PAs) practice medicine under the supervision
of physicians and surgeons. They should not be confused with medical
assistants, who perform routine clinical and clerical tasks (
medical
assistants are discussed elsewhere). PAs are formally trained
to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health care
services, as delegated by a physician. Working as members of the
health care team, they take medical histories, examine and treat
patients, order and interpret laboratory tests and x rays, and make
diagnoses. They also treat minor injuries, by suturing, splinting,
and casting. PAs record progress notes, instruct and counsel
patients, and order or carry out therapy. In 48 States and the
District of Columbia, physician assistants may prescribe
medications. PAs also may have managerial duties. Some order medical
supplies or equipment and supervise technicians and assistants.
Physician assistants work under the supervision of a physician.
However, PAs may be the principal care providers in rural or inner
city clinics, where a physician is present for only 1 or 2 days each
week. In such cases, the PA confers with the supervising physician
and other medical professionals as needed and as required by law.
PAs also may make house calls or go to hospitals and nursing care
facilities to check on patients, after which they report back to the
physician.
(From
http://www.healthguideusa.com/careers/physician_assistant_work_in_general.htm)