The Quality of Air Force Outpatient Care: How Well do Physician Assistants Perform.

Abstract : This Note analyzes quality of care rendered by physicial assistants, who work under a doctor's general supervision in Air Force clinics and care for some patients formerly treated by physicians. It focuses on the technical process of care, and uses data collected with a patient contact record at nine Air Force bases in 1974. For a set of conditions that account for 20 to 25 percent of outpatient visits to clinics dealing with general medicine problems, the analysis shows that physician assistants are performing at least as well as physicians. It is concluded that the Air Force can deliver the same quality of medical care when physician assistants, working under a doctor's general supervision, treat some of the patients formerly seen by physicians. (Author)