title: The PA's role in the nursing home.
abstract: The growing elderly population and the impact of the DRG-based system of payment under Medicare has focused attention on the future of patient care in nursing homes. The author encourages further examination of PA utilization in nursing homes. Maximal utilization would result in economic benefits under the DRG system. Cost savings would stem from early recognition of a problem, prompt treatment, appropriate referral, fewer transfers for acute care, closer monitoring of therapeutic regimens, and improved communication.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009735:Nursing Homes; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012380:Role; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce