CBoC calls for funding model to ease entry of physician assistants into health systems

The Conference Board of Canada suggests implementing a discounted billing model for services provided by physician assistants (PA) could increase the patient's access to primary or acute care and orthopedic surgery. This model would allow physicians to focus on patients with urgent needs, while PAs handle less complex cases. As well, employer-remunerated funding models that incorporate PAs at a discounted billing rate could lower costs for the healthcare system. Pilot projects demonstrate the value and effectiveness of PAs, with one in N.S. resulting in improved access to hip and knee replacement surgeries.