Cost containment and increasing competition: implications for the PA profession.

Current trends in cost containment and increasing competition present opportunities--as well as challenges--to the PA profession. In this synopsis of an APAP workshop, the moderators present the views of the PA educators who explore this topic. Discussion focuses on opportunities and challenges, the attitude of the general public and various industry professionals (including physicians) toward increased utilization of PAs, and additional competition to the PA profession from other nonphysician health care providers. Strategies for addressing these issues are included.