PAs and team care can work in psychiatry, too

My quality assessment includes reviewing more charts than required by law and providing time for regular consults with the PAs regarding specific questions on any patient that is challenging. It is a team-based approach to mental health care, and it’s successful and rewarding.

As psychiatrists, we must recognize that our growing population, and the increased demand for services, play an active role in the solution. We have to appreciate the changing landscape of health care and welcome other qualified providers to our mission to serve. Integrating PAs into a practice can be an effective way to reach more people and deliver on the promise of health care availability to all.

Dr. Musgrove’s private practice is in Round Rock, Texas. He also has practiced in numerous residential treatment centers and correctional facilities.