Interesting. On a Facebook page devoted to Physician Assistants,

[Aristus]

someone took a member to task for introducing himself to his patients as a Physician Assistant.

This person stated: "My PA has never introduced himself as a PA. He just gives his name. I can read his name badge for myself. This is evidently supposed to be a way of calling out PA's for......something; I don't know. I don't understand the motive behind this kind of snarking.

I mention it because just recently, someone said the exact same thing to me here on DU. I suspect it was a way of saying "I'll be you're not a real medical provider".

But, as with Elliott Ness introducing himself in The Untouchables as a Treasury officer, with a Physician Assistant: "Who would claim to be that who was not?"

[madaboutharry]

1. I have seen a Physician Assistant who introduced himself that exact way.

He introduced himself as a Physician Assistant.

What a strange thing to have a problem with that.

[Aristus]

2. A patient looking at a medical provider wearing a white lab coat and carrying a stethoscope

naturally thinks 'doctor'.

I'm proud to be a Physician Assistant, but my patients have the right to know I'm not a doctor. I always mention my status when introducing myself to a new patient.

[matt819]

3. Exactly

I’ve always had medical professionals identify themselves by position. That seems ethical.

My only problem came when i made an appointment Specifically with an orthopedic doctor and confirmed it as such. And I was seen by a PA. I’m sure he was a fine PA, and he identified himself as such, but I specifically want to see the doctor for the problem I had.

[lapfog_1]

4. I was married to a PA for a number of years

and she always introduced herself as a Physicians Assistant, and then if there was ever a look of hesitation or confusion, she would add "as your PA I have all the needed training to diagnose and treat you, under the supervision and with the consultation of your physician"

[Aristus]

5. I rarely go that far.

I don't want my patients thinking I need to run everything by my supervising physician first. I have a great deal of autonomy in my practice. I haven't called a consult with my supervising MD in months.

[lapfog_1]

6. she usually didn't

only did so when some would look really confused.

This was also around 1987 / 1988 when PAs were not as understood as they are now.

[KT2000]

7. such an introduction

is a good idea. Among my friends, people prefer PAs actually.

Years ago I picked up a Blue Cross textbook at the thrift store. There was a chapter on dealing with doctors' egos to transition to what amounted to insurance company control of health care. I believe the generic term "health care provider" was born in the insurance industry for that very purpose. Doctors are now lumped into the same category as receptionists and nursing assistants. Patients are usually kept in the dark about who they are dealing with if introductions are not made.

[LuckyCharms]

8. I call my Nurse Practitioner "doctor" when referring to her in a discussion.

For example, we'll be chatting, and I might say something like "This might be a strange thing to tell your doctor, but..."

That's because in my mind, she is my doctor.

Also, I appreciate when anyone introduces themselves with both their name and title. It portrays a calmness and confidence to me.

I've had both PAs and FNPs treat me more thoroughly than any doctor ever has.

People find the strangest things to snark about. Personally, I would be proud to be a PA or FNP, and would probably introduce myself as such.

[pangaia]

9. I am pretty lucky to have a very good MEDICAL GROUP

of which my PCP is a member.
They have top notch PAs, as far as I can tell. I can almost always choose seeing a doctor or a PA, depending on what the issue is.
Same for the cancer center where I was treated in 2012 and still get yearly CT Scans. ALTHOUGH, the techies who run the CT machine are weird, weird weird.. I think it's all that radiation..

However the ER at the local hospital, in my few experience, sucks.. The nurses twice mis-attached and mis-read an EKG... And I once had to wait over an hour for the 'attending' doc to finish his dinner at home and come look at an MRI...

[left-of-center2012]

10. God bless you for all the lives you've helped heal

"LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me." ~ Psalm 30:2

[Skittles]

11. I am usually asked if it is OK if I see a PA

I always say YES