Physician assistants in rural communities

About 12% of all PAs work in rural settings, according to the 2013 Annual Survey of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. PAs in rural areas are more likely to practice in primary care specialties, have a wider scope of practice, and see patients who are uninsured or covered by Medicaid or Medicare. The positive effect of PAs on rural health has been demonstrated in extensive studies. PAs in rural areas are often the usual care providers for patients with chronic conditions, provide care that is cost effective and safe, and in certain cases increase access to care. Hiring a PA in a rural medical practice can have a salutary economic effect on the practice as well as the community.