Which description best characterizes the patient population for a Primary Care PA?

• A. Pediatrics only.
• B. Geriatrics only.
• C. Diverse including pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics.
• D. Adults only.

Answer: (C)

Primary care emphasizes broad, longitudinal care for patients across the life span. A primary care physician assistant is trained to manage a wide range of issues in people of all ages, from infants and children to adults and older adults. This versatility is essential in a primary care setting, where ongoing, comprehensive care includes preventive services, management of common acute illnesses, chronic conditions, and coordination of specialist referrals as needed. Because of this broad scope, the patient population is diverse, spanning pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics. Narrow descriptions—pediatrics only, geriatrics only, or adults only—don’t reflect the typical breadth of primary care practice.