[kaila]

I think that seeing a family practice physician for all your health care needs is outdated. The field of medicine is so complex, beyond the usual physical exam and minor illnesses, specialty care is where most of the complex problems get referred to. I knew a family practice physician who stated that 95% of the patients he sees daily do not really need health care. The other 3 % need his care, the other 2% gets referred to specialty. NPs and PAs can do a lot, with minimal supervision by an attending family practice physician. It is already occurring now. I see a PA for my health care ( minor ) needs, and the PA knows when I need to see a specialist. I actually prefer a PA, because they are more willing to refer me to specialty care, as they know their limits.The real problem will be if specialist physicians move to the concierge route,or that a specialty shortage occurs due to Obamacare, that would be catastrophic.

[Veto!]

I actually prefer a PA, because they are more willing to refer me to specialty care, as they know their limits.

I have had similar experiences with "nurse practitioners" and PAs. BUT, in one instance they were all too eager to refer me to the specialist for very expensive tests, in spite of my feeling that I probably did not need them. Cost of that trip was something like $22,000 to the insurance company and sure enough, results showed that I DIDN'T NEED IT.