Impact Of A Physician Assistant In Diagnostic Radiology [Pa-Dr] On Delivery Of Diagnostic Radiologic Clinical Services

A program to train highly selected, experienced radiologic technologists to become Physician Assistants in Diagnostic Radiology [PA-DRs] was initiated at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in 1970. The initial postgraduate year of employment in several different radiologic environments for the first twelve trainees has been evaluated. Their work activities, including examinations that otherwise would have been performed by a radiologist and the number of radiographs screened for evidence of diseases, were analyzed. Studies during their training show they perform these activities accurately. Lastly, the economic impact of PA-DRs and their acceptability to patients and other professionals were evaluated. The PA-DRs spent a majority of their time in activities for which they were trained. Calculated yearly "earnings" of the PA-DRs averaged +31,164. Their salaries ranged +18-25,000. Each PA-DR averaged saving 34% of the employing radiologist's time. They were well accepted by professional colleagues and patients.