ENTtoday

Collegial Relationships: Extending Otolaryngology Practice with Other Professional Providers

by Andrea Sattinger •

  • Perform physical examinations
  • Elicit medical histories
  • Diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries
  • Order and interpret laboratory and radiographic studies
  • Educate and counsel patients
  • Perform minor surgical procedures
  • First-assist in surgery
  • Assist with call
  • Render emergency care
  • Facilitate patient referral to the appropriate physician or agency
  • Conduct research and drug studies
  • Prescribe medication (in most states)

Source: The Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology–Head—Neck Surgery: www.entpa.org/FAQ.html

The Survey Says’

The Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology/Head—Neck Surgery surveyed their membership in 2003 about the specifics of their productivity. The following represents the proportion of PAs who perform these tasks in their ENT practices.

  • 93% Removal of ear foreign bodies
  • 89% Nasal cautery (32% electrical, 86% chemical)
  • 89% Fiberoptic laryngoscopy
  • 89% Removal of nasal foreign body
  • 86% Packs / splints removal
  • 82% Mastoid cavity cleansing
  • 82% Pre / post-op H&P
  • 75% Rigid nasal endoscopy
  • 75% Post-op FESS cleansing
  • 68% Anterior nasal packs
  • 64% Epley’s or Semont’s maneuver
  • 64% Excision/biopsy skin lesion
  • 64% Tracheostomy tube change
  • 61% I&D of peritonsillar abscess
  • 57% Oral biopsy
  • 50% Fine needle aspiration
  • 50% Hospital consults
  • 43% Removal of tubes
  • 32% I&D of helical hematoma
  • 29% Posterior nasal packs
  • 25% Submandibular sialolithotomy
  • 25% Stroboscopy
  • 21% Myringotomy and tube insertion
  • 21% Allergy testing
  • 21% Turbinate steroid injection
  • 18% Tympanostomy
  • 14% Closed reduction nasal fracture
  • 14% Transnasal esophagoscopy
  • 11% Nasal polypectomy
  • 11% Frenulotomy
  • 7% Audiometry
  • 7% TM patch
  • 7% Antral or Proetz irrigation
  • 4% Middle ear gentamicin infusion
  • 4% Hearing aids
  • 4% Placement of sialogram tubing
  • 4% Esophageal dilation
  • 4% pH probe testing

Source: Adapted from www.entpa.org /scope_of_practice.html

Resources

  • Society of Physician Assistants in Otorhinolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (SPAO–HNS) www.entpa.org
  • American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) www.aapa.org
  • Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head-Neck Nurses (SOHN) www.sohnnurse.com
  • American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) www.aanp.org

©2007 The Triological Society