PAs in endocrinology are in a small but growing specialty. As such, they sometimes come in contact with physicians who have not had a PA on staff before.

  • AAPA has developed a new handout designed specifically for physicians and employers who are unfamiliar with PAs. The handout provides useful tips for preparing the practice, the staff, and patients for working with a PA. To print a copy of the handout, go to http://www.aapa.org/gandp/paempguide.pdf
  • Diabetes is a major focus of many endocrinology practices. The Clinical Issues section of the AAPA Web site provides information links to resources useful to PAs who treat patients with diabetes. To learn more, visit http://www.aapa.org/clinissues AAPA is also a partner in The National Diabetes Education Program.
  • In addition to collecting information about PAs in general, AAPA maintains a wealth of information about the role of PAs in the clinical setting. For example, in 2004, there were approximately 14.7 million patient visits for diabetes to PAs. A summary of patient visits to PAs for selected disorders can be found on the AAPA Web site at http://www.aapa.org/research 

American Society of Endocrine Physician Assistants (ASEPA)

ASEPA is the official constituent organization of the AAPA representing PAs in the specialty of endocrinology. The organization is dedicated to the advancement and education of PAs practicing in endocrinology in order to provide improved access to quality patient care.

We aim to increase clinical rotation sites in endocrinology for PA programs nationwide, promote the growth of PAs practicing in endocrinology, and form an official alliance with the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE). With a shortage of endocrinologists expected until 2020, ASEPA can be a solution to this problem.

  • ASEPA is working with AACE members to form an official alliance between the two groups. This alliance would be mutually beneficial because it will provide ASEPA members an avenue for enhanced educational growth and employment opportunities and offer physicians an opportunity to work with ASEPA to identify and hire suitable candidates for their practices.
  • To become a member of ASEPA, visit our Web site at www.endocrine-pa.com. Newsletters are mailed out two to three times a year. There are no dues this year, but they are expected to start in 2006.  

American Society of Endocrine Physician Assistants
c/o Scott Urquhart, PA-C
8116 Lee Jackson Circle
Spotsylvania, VA 22553-3818
(888) 441-0428
E-mail: scodi97@aol.com
Web: www.endocrine-pa.com

PAs in gastrointestinal medicine are in another small but growing group. According to data collected by AAPA, most PAs in this field are employed by single-specialty group practices.
  • Practices may be uncertain about whether they can bill for the services provided by PAs. AAPA provides academy members with state-by-state information about third-party payers at http://www.aapa.org/members/gandp/privatepayer.html.
  • Because the number of PAs in this specialty area is still small, some practices may be uncertain about the role of PAs. AAPA has produced Issue Briefs to educate employers, physicians, and the public about the role of PAs. To see a list, go to http://www.aapa.org/gandp/pro-issues.html.
  • In addition to working together as members of the medical team, PAs and physicians work together on political issues of common concern. AAPA, along with the American College of Gastroenterology and other organizations, joined in opposition to proposed changes to Medicare's payment methodology for first assisting at surgery. To view a copy of the joint letter, go to www.aapa.org/gandp/testimony/medpac.html.

Gastrointestinal Physician Assistants (GIPA)

Founded in 2000 as a nonprofit organization, GIPA is the voice representing PAs who practice gastroenterology and hepatology. The mission of GIPA is to provide improved health care and access for patients with GI and hepatobiliary disease through professional and educational support to PAs practicing in gastroenterology and hepatology.

  • GIPA works with AAPA to represent PAs in gastroenterology and hepatology and present relevant topics at the AAPA's annual conference. GIPA also maintains a Web site and a free job-listing service. Membership in GIPA includes free membership in the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.
  • GIPA's members include practicing PAs, PA students interested in a career in gastroenterology and hepatology, and our professional partners in health care. We invite you to share your voice with the GIPA board and leadership. Join GIPA and harvest the benefits of membership in a powerful organization.
  • For a complete list of membership benefits and resources available, visit www.gipas.org. 

Gastrointestinal Physician Assistants
950 N Washington St
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 836-2272, ext. 3418
E-mail: gipa@aapa.org
Web: www.gipas.org