Physician assistants are physician extenders who can perform an invaluable role in dermatologic surgery and optimize physician efficiency. The well-trained physician assistant is a highly effective adjunct to patient evaluation and education and is capable of performing routine time-intensive procedures. When successfully integrated into a dermatologic surgery practice the physician assistant enhances patient care and satisfaction and permits the physician to focus on more complex medical decision-making and technically advanced procedures.
Efficient care of the surgical patient necessitates attention to key elements of preoperative patient preparation prior to the day of surgery, a standardized approach to patient monitoring and education on the day of surgery, and careful postoperative monitoring. Patient education is fundamental to all phases of surgical management so that patient expectations and concerns are practically addressed. Quality assurance endeavors must also be integrated into these preioperative phases so that optimal care of the surgical patient is ensured.
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