Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Staff • September 25, 2020
What is the Difference Between a Physician Assistant and a Doctor?

When the time comes to seek medical care for an orthopedic injury or condition, there are some key factors that everyone considers: convenience, skill and expertise, and bedside manner to name a few. What you might be less likely to consider is whether you should see a physician or a physician assistant (PA). However, many patients are pleasantly surprised to learn the full scope of services that PAs are able to provide and the growing number of benefits they bring to healthcare.


Physician Assistants are Medically Trained

The key difference between medical training of a doctor and physician assistant is time. Typically, doctors complete four years of medical school, followed by an internship and residency. PAs, on the other hand, complete their training in two years. During those two years, they see and experience many of the same scenarios as their medical doctor counterparts, including surgical procedures. In addition, many PAs choose their path following a career which has already given them experience in the medical field, such as paramedic.


Physician Assistants can Write Prescriptions

Given their extensive medical training, PAs have the skill and expertise needed to conduct physical exams, order tests, determine diagnosis, and provide treatment options to patients, including writing and refilling prescription medications.


Physician Assistants Work Under the Direction of a Physician

PAs can provide many of the same services that a doctor can in a clinic setting, but they do all of it under the watchful eye of a supervising physician. If a PA is ever uncertain regarding a patient’s condition or appropriate course of treatment, there is another, experienced medical professional to whom they can turn, essentially giving patients two providers in one.


Physician Assistants are Easily Accessible

Most doctors have a day packed with patients, procedures, and red tape. Physician assistants, however, have much lighter patient loads with which to contend. Their schedules tend to be more open, making them easier to schedule a quick appointment with and often meaning that they have greater amounts of time to devote to each case.


Orthopedic Physician Assistant Brusly

When it comes to orthopedic care in and around the Baton Rouge area, Bone and Joint Clinic has become a leader in every aspect from initial diagnosis to surgical repair. Now, our team of experts has expanded to embrace the many positive patient benefits that can come from quality PA-provided care as well. Joseph Halphen is a certified physician assistant, currently treating patients in our Brusly location. If you are experiencing orthopedic troubles and are ready to experience exceptional care from a qualified PA provider, contact us today and request an appointment with Joseph.



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By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff April 1, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Christopher Belleau is transitioning to The Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge.  Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
Dr. Gerard Murtagh to Retire After Distinguished Career in Orthopedic Surgery
By The Bone & Joint Clinic March 10, 2025
Dr. Gerard Murtagh will retire from Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge on March 12, 2025, after a long and distinguished career dedicated to advancing orthopedic surgery.
Recognizing the Signs That You May Need a Joint Replacement
By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff February 12, 2025
Sometimes, joint replacement is the best course of action, even when conservative measures like medicine, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes might be helpful. Knowing when a joint replacement is necessary can help you take prompt action and improve your quality of life.
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