The Impact of a Physician Assistant in Diagnostic Radiology lsqb;PAndash;DRrsqb; on the Delivery of Diagnostic Radiologic Clinical Services

摘要

A program to train highly selected, experienced radiologic technologists to become Physician Assistants in Diagnostic Radiology lsqb;PAndash;DRsrsqb; was initiated at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in 1970. The initial postgraduate year of employment in several different radiologic environments for the first twelve trainees has been evaluated. Their work activities, including examinations that otherwise would have been performed by a radiologist and the number of radiographs screened for evidence of disease, were analyzed. Studies during their training show they perform these activities accurately. Lastly, the economic impact of PAndash;DRs and their acceptability to patients and other professionals were evaluated. The PAndash;DRs spent a majority of their time in activities for which they were trained. Calculated yearly ldquo;earningsrdquo; of the PAndash;DRs averaged $31,164. Their salaries ranged $18ndash;25,000. Each PAndash;DR averaged saving 34percnt; of the employing radiologist's time. They were well accepted by professional colleagues and patients.