Can a PA do a cystoscopy?

Can a Physician Assistant Perform a Cystoscopy?

Yes, a Physician Assistant (PA) can perform a cystoscopy—especially in a urology setting—under the scope of their practice and in collaboration with a supervising physician. While cystoscopy is a specialized procedure involving the examination of the urethra and bladder using a thin, flexible scope, many PAs are trained to carry it out independently in outpatient clinics.

Beyond just cystoscopy, PAs in urology often manage perioperative care for patients dealing with conditions like urethral or ureteral strictures, urologic trauma, and other urinary tract issues. They’re involved from diagnosis through treatment, often serving as the primary point of contact for patients during follow-up visits. This includes ordering tests, interpreting results, and performing minor procedures—like urethral dilations or catheter management—right in the clinic.

Cystoscopy, in particular, is a skill PAs can develop with proper training and experience. It’s not uncommon for them to perform routine cystoscopies for post-operative checks, recurrent UTIs, or hematuria evaluations. Their ability to perform such procedures helps streamline patient care and improves clinic efficiency.

While PAs operate with a high degree of autonomy, their scope of practice depends on state regulations, institutional policies, and the level of supervision required. Complex cases may still be referred to the urologist, but for standard evaluations, a PA is often fully capable.

As healthcare evolves, the role of PAs continues to expand—especially in specialties like urology. With proper training and collaboration, they’re not only qualified to perform cystoscopies, but they play a vital role in delivering timely, patient-centered care.