Who is a Physician Assistant?
A Physician Assistant (PA) is a trained healthcare professional who works alongside doctors to provide medical care to patients. PAs can examine patients, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medicines, and help manage long-term health conditions. If you need medical attention but are unsure whether to see a specialist, a Physician Assistant is a great first point of contact.
Duties and Responsibilities of a Physician Assistant
When to See a Physician Assistant
You should consider booking an consultation if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions:
- Fever, cough, or cold that is not getting better
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea lasting more than two days
- Skin rash, wounds, or infections that need attention
- High blood pressure or diabetes that needs regular monitoring
- Needing a routine health check-up or medical certificate
- Minor injuries such as cuts, sprains, or burns
- Headaches, body aches, or fatigue that keep coming back
- Needing vaccinations or preventive health screenings
- Unsure which type of doctor to see for a health concern
- Follow-up care after a hospital visit or surgery
Conditions Treated
Common conditions that a Physician Assistant can diagnose, manage, or treat:
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Also known as: Impotence, Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection, Erectile issues, Male sexual dysfunction, Erection problems
Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Also known as: STD, sexually transmitted disease
Headache
Also known as: cephalgia, dolor capitis, ha, head ache, head pain
Apollo
Also known as: pink eye, Apollo, Conjunctivitis
Cough
Fever
Also known as: elevated temperature, febrile illness, feverish
Vaginal Discharge & STI
Vomiting
Mental health
Skin acne
Also known as: skin problem
Types of Physician Assistant Specialists
Primary Care PA
Provides general health services including routine check-ups, vaccinations, and management of common illnesses for patients of all ages.
Surgical PA
Assists surgeons in the operating room and helps care for patients before and after surgical procedures.
Emergency Medicine PA
Works in emergency settings to quickly assess and treat patients with urgent or life-threatening conditions.
Paediatric PA
Focuses on the health and medical care of infants, children, and teenagers.
Orthopaedic PA
Supports orthopaedic surgeons in treating bone, joint, and muscle injuries and conditions.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
At your first visit, the Physician Assistant will ask you about your symptoms, your medical history, and any medicines you are currently taking. They will examine you and may request blood tests, urine tests, or an X-ray to better understand your condition. The PA will explain their findings in simple terms and work with you to create a treatment plan that suits your needs.
Training & Education Credentials
Physician Assistants complete a recognised degree or diploma programme in physician assistant studies, which includes both classroom training and hands-on clinical experience. They must be licensed or certified by the relevant medical authority in their country before they can practise independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Physician Assistant the same as a doctor?
A Physician Assistant is not a medical doctor, but they are highly trained to provide many of the same services. PAs can examine you, diagnose conditions, prescribe medicines, and refer you to a specialist if needed. They often work closely with doctors to make sure you get the best care.
How much does it cost to see a Physician Assistant in Ghana?
The cost of seeing a Physician Assistant varies depending on the clinic or hospital you visit. In public health facilities, fees are generally lower and may be covered by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Private clinics may charge more, so it is a good idea to ask about fees before your appointment.
What should I bring to my appointment with a Physician Assistant?
Bring your NHIS card or any health insurance documents, a list of any medicines you are currently taking, and any previous medical records or test results you have. If you have been to another clinic or hospital recently, bring those reports along so the PA can review your full health history.
Can a Physician Assistant prescribe medication for me?
Yes, in most cases a Physician Assistant is authorised to prescribe medicines as part of your treatment. They will only prescribe what is appropriate for your condition and will explain how to take your medication safely. If you need a medicine that requires a specialist's approval, they will refer you accordingly.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of seeing a Physician Assistant?
Go to the emergency room immediately if you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness or numbness, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, or a severe injury. A Physician Assistant is best suited for non-emergency health concerns. If you are unsure, call the clinic first and they will advise you on the right place to go.
Book a Physician Assistant
Find verified board-certified Physician Assistants on DrDoGood. Compare reviews, check real-time availability, and schedule your appointment online.
All practitioners on DrDoGood are thoroughly vetted for credentials, licensing, and patient satisfaction histories.
Available Physician Assistants
Schedule visits with these verified medical providers:
Dr. George Ashong -Boadi
Physician Assistant
Straight forward guy with professional experience for 5 years
Dr. Lolli Danquah
Physician Assistant
Dedicated practitioner offering comprehensive medical consultations and personalized care plans.
Dr. Michael Nortey
Physician Assistant
Am a highly skilled and professional Clinician with much experience in family medicine. Icare for families. We the quest to improve client Health through queries and provide lasting solutions by means of guidance, counseling and not just medications. I am sure to help you have a meaningful and productive health even in your chronic Conditions. Book an appointment and lets get talking......
Dr. Emmanuel Asante Koranteng
Physician Assistant
I am very passionate about health and always ready to give out the best of care to my patients.
Dr. Godfred Ankomah
Physician Assistant
Physician Assistant Medical Intern
Dr. Emmanuel Bamfo
Physician Assistant
Highly skilled Physician Assistant with extensive know - how of promoting and maintaining patient health and wellbeing. Proficient in assessing patents' health by interviewing them, and performing physical examinations. Known for developing excellent rapport with patients and forming long-term patient and caregiver relationships.
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