Use of physician assistants in Mohs micrographic surgery: a survey of fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeons

Abstract

Background: An increasing number of dermatologists are using physician assistants (PAs) in their practices. A lack of information regarding the use of PAs in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) served as the driving force for this research.

Objectives: To quantify the extent to which Mohs surgeons are using PAs in MMS.

Methods: Five hundred seventy-six fellows of the American College of Mohs Surgery were sent surveys in the mail in January 2009. The survey was focused on what percentage of Mohs surgeons are using PAs and how those PAs are being used.

Results: One hundred forty-three of the 576 surgeons surveyed (24.8%) responded; 43 of those (30.1%) currently employed one or more PAs; and of those 43, 15 (34.9%) reported that PAs in their practice perform preoperative consults, 25 (58.1%) reported that PAs perform postoperative follow-up, 18 (41.9%) reported that PAs were participating in some aspect of repairs, and 35 (81.4%) reported that PAs were seeing general dermatology patients.

Conclusion: Mohs surgeons are using PAs for perioperative care, as well as seeing general dermatology patients. A smaller percentage of Mohs surgeons are using PAs to perform portions of MMS or the consequent repairs.