Society Of Healthcare Journalists: Pa Quiz

The statement is true because it states that the average age of a physician in the U.S. is 52, while the average age of a certified PA (Physician Assistant) is 40. This suggests that, on average, physicians tend to be older than certified PAs in the U.S.

PAs (Physician Assistants) are required to recertify through timed, proctored examinations every 10 years. This means that after every 10 years, PAs need to take an exam that is monitored by a proctor within a specific time frame. This recertification process ensures that PAs stay updated with the latest medical knowledge and skills, and maintain their competency to provide quality healthcare services.

Certified PAs are healthcare professionals who have completed a rigorous training program and passed a national certification exam. They are qualified to perform physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, and order and interpret tests. Additionally, they have the skills to harvest veins from the leg during cardiac surgery. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."

There are 108,500 certified PAs in the United States. This indicates the number of individuals who have successfully completed the necessary requirements and examinations to become certified physician assistants.

The correct answer is 50%. This means that half of the PAs' patients nationally are primarily covered by Medicare or Medicaid. This indicates that a significant portion of the population relies on these government-funded healthcare programs for their medical coverage. It highlights the importance of PAs being knowledgeable about the regulations and requirements of Medicare and Medicaid to provide appropriate care to their patients.

Based on the given answer choices, 18.6% is the percentage of PAs who work in surgical specialties. This means that out of all the PAs, approximately 18.6% of them are employed in surgical fields.

71.7% of certified PAs work in specialties outside of primary care. This means that a significant majority of certified PAs are employed in specialized areas of healthcare rather than in primary care settings. This suggests that there is a demand for PAs in various specialties, highlighting the diverse roles and opportunities available for certified PAs in the healthcare industry.

Alaska has the most PAs per capita. This means that, compared to other states, Alaska has a higher number of physician assistants in relation to its population size. This could be due to various factors such as the demand for healthcare services, the availability of job opportunities, and the state's healthcare policies and regulations.

The correct answer is 22.6%. This means that out of all the PAs, approximately 22.6% of them speak with patients in a foreign language. This suggests that there is a significant portion of PAs who are bilingual or multilingual and can communicate effectively with patients who do not speak the same language. This is an important skill in healthcare as it allows for better patient care and understanding.

The correct answer is $102,000. This means that the average salary of a PA is closest to $102,000.