Perceptions of physician assistants regarding direct-to-consumer advertising.

Of 1,254 practicing physician assistants (PAs) who completed a survey, 91% were familiar with direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA). When asked about their general perception, 96% of PAs were neutral or unfavorable towards DTCA. PAs felt that DTCA encouraged patients to make atypical medication requests, overlook the PA's medical opinion, and seek other health care providers.