Understanding how PAs get paid is crucial for new graduates entering practice. From documentation and billing to payer enrollment and reimbursement rates, these financial aspects of PA practice can feel overwhelming — but they don’t have to be. In this episode, we’re joined by Sondra DePalma, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, an expert in healthcare policy, reimbursement, and PA practice. Dr. DePalma shares insights on how new PAs can master documentation, navigate payer enrollment, understand the infamous “85% rule,” and advocate for their full value in healthcare. Tune in to learn how smart reimbursement strategies can shape your career and financial future.

Dr. DePalma is the Vice President of Reimbursement and Professional Practice at AAPA. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare policy, reimbursement, and PA practice, she has served in leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Advanced Practice at Penn State Health. Dr. DePalma has practiced cardiology for nearly two decades and is also an adjunct professor at A.T. Still University.

Learning Objectives

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At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Explain the impact of documentation on billing and reimbursement
• Identify key payer enrollment processes and common reimbursement challenges for PAs
• Identify different billing and coding policies, including "incident to" and split/shared billing
• Recognize the differences between fee-for-service and value-based payment models
• Apply strategies to advocate for fair compensation and demonstrate PA value in healthcare

» Ready, Set, Practice: Insights for New PAs
Episode 1: PA-S to PA-C. So, You Graduated -- Now What?
Episode 2: Now You Are in Practice -- Who Decides What You Get to Do?
Episode 3: Where Are We Headed? What Does the Future Look Like for the PA Profession?
Episode 4: Now You Are in Practice: Show Us the Money (or Pay a PA)
Episode 5: Who's Got Your Back? Teamwork and Advocacy in the PA Profession
Episode 6: Stepping Into Your Leadership as a New PA

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