Does a supervising physician have to be on site?

Asked by: Dr. Tomas Bashirian MD  |  Last update: November 20, 2025
Score: 5/5 (14 votes)

Otherwise, the supervising physician is not required to be on site when the PA is practicing; however, the supervising physician must be available by telephone or other electronic communication at the time the PA examines a patient.

What are the duties of a supervising physician?

The supervising physician must regularly review the quality of medical services rendered by the NPC by reviewing medical records to ensure compliance with directions and standard of care. The minimum frequency with which such review takes place is, in some instances, specified in federal and state law.

What is the difference between an attending physician and a supervising physician?

Attending physicians are sometimes the 'rendering physician' listed on the patient's official medical record, but if they are overseeing a resident or another staff member, they are 'supervising. '

Does a PA have to be supervised by a physician?

Each PA must be supervised by at least one physician. The physician supervises the PA either when both are at the same location or by telephone or other electronic means. The supervising physician must always be available to the PA when the PA is examining a patient and is responsible for the care provided by the PA.

Can you bill for a PA under the supervising physician?

According to Medicare policy, hospitals may bill under the physician's name when a PA and a physician each personally “provide any face-to-face portion of the E/M encounter with the patient” on the same calendar day.

Do I need a supervising physician to open my practice? 

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How much does a supervising physician cost?

How much does a collaborating physician cost per month? Prices will vary depending on your specific practice but are typically in the range of $500-1200/mo.

What does under the supervision of a physician mean?

Direct supervision in the office setting means the physician must be present in the office suite and immediately available to furnish assistance and direction throughout the performance of the service; however, the physician does not need to be in the room when the service is performed.

What are physician assistants not allowed to do?

While physician assistants can do many things, they cannot perform all the duties of a medical doctor. For example, physician assistants can assist in surgery, but we cannot perform surgery. Physician assistants do not become PAs as a stepping stone on their path to becoming medical doctors.

Can all medical assistants legally perform injections under the supervision of a physician?

A medical assistant who has completed the minimum training prescribed by regulation may administer medication by intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections, perform skin tests, and other technical supportive services upon the specific authorization and supervision of a licensed physician and surgeon, ...

Do nurse practitioners make more than physician assistants?

In most locations, the decision to become either an NP or PA won't make a significant difference when it comes to your wallet. But, in a few it may mean a more than $10K salary difference, on average, each year. Check out this state-by-state comparison of nurse practitioner and physician assistant salaries.

What is the relationship between a PA and the supervising physician?

Every PA must be supervised by a licensed physician (either M.D. or D.O.). The supervising physician is responsible for all medical services provided by the PA under their supervision and for following each patient's progress.

Can I refuse to see a physician assistant?

Can a Patient Refuse to see a Physician Assistant? A patient reserves the right to choose their healthcare provider. However, PAs are typically empowered to carry out tasks similar to those of a doctor, depending on the regulations in each state.

What is a PA salary?

A Physician Assistant in California makes about $144,520 annually because of the high cost of living. Alternatively, a PA in Oklahoma earns around $99,173 due to lower expenses.

What is the difference between attending and supervising physicians?

All residents practice under the supervision of senior UHP physicians. In a medical facility, the the attending physician is the physician who has the major responsibility for a patient's care. Attending physicians have completed their training and often play an active role in the education of medical students.

What is the role of supervising?

One of a supervisor's most important responsibilities is managing a team. Often, supervisors create and oversee their team's workflow, or the tasks required to complete a job. Supervisors must define goals , communicate objectives and monitor team performance.

Do nurse practitioners have to be supervised by a physician?

Full Practice Authority (NPs can perform the full scope of practice without a supervising or collaborating physician. NPs can evaluate patients; diagnose, order, and interpret diagnostic tests; initiate and manage treatments, including prescribing medications; and operate their own independent practices.)

Do PAs always have a supervising physician?

Each PA must be supervised by at least one physician. The physician supervises the PA either when both are at the same location or by telephone. The supervising physician must always be available to the PA should the need arise, and is responsible for following each patient's progress.

Can a medical assistant give B12 shots?

One common question that people have is whether medical assistants can give injections or shots to patients. The short answer is that, yes, medical assistants can typically give shots and injections.

Can a medical assistant remove an IV?

Medical assistants cannot start or disconnect IV's or administer injections or medication into an IV. These procedures are considered invasive, and therefore, not within the medical assistant's scope of practice.

Is a PA basically a doctor?

No, a physician assistant is not typically addressed as “doctor.” While PAs have a master's degree and are licensed healthcare providers who diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications under the supervision of a physician, they do not hold a doctoral degree.

What can an NP do that a PA cannot?

NPs also have the ability to practice independently, diagnose and treat illnesses, as well as prescribe medication (without physician oversight), in most states. PAs, on the other hand, usually work in doctors' offices and hospitals.

Will physician assistants be phased out?

The future looks bright for PAs willing to adapt to new technologies. AI is not here to replace physician assistants but to assist them. By enhancing diagnostic accuracy, streamlining administrative tasks, and offering personalized treatment plans, AI can make the role of PAs more efficient and fulfilling.

What is the role of a supervising physician?

At each site, the Supervising Physician works in concert with manager and nursing leadership to lead local quality improvement work and program development in addition to direct on-site clinical work (50% direct patient care time & 50% clinic leadership & supervision of providers).

How to bill under a supervising physician?

Include direct supervision attestation statements for “incident to” billing arrangements. Permissible “incident to” billing requires direct supervision from the supervising physician. These statements should document how the supervising physician supervised the non-credentialed physician during the patient encounter.

What does it mean to be under supervision?

the act of watching a person or activity and making certain that everything is done correctly, safely, etc.: Students are not allowed to handle these chemicals unless they are under the supervision of a teacher. Synonym. oversight.