Your parent is aging and you want to make sure they have the best care possible. Should they be seeing a geriatrician? It has been estimated that 30% of people over the age of 65 should be seeing one. This article will cover this question and more so that you can help make the best decision for your loved one. Let’s start by discussing what a geriatrician is.
What is a Geriatrician?
Most geriatricians are primary care physicians (PCPs) certified in family or internal medicine who have gone on and completed advanced training in geriatric medicine. These doctors work in a variety of settings. They sometimes work on their own in primary care or inpatient settings. But many are known to be part of a team with other providers who have also had advanced geriatric training. This team of specialists can include geriatrician nurses, social workers, pharmacists, nutritionists, physical therapists, speech and hearing specialists, psychiatrists, and psychologists. It’s the team’s job to manage not only the patient’s medical needs but also the social and emotional. For example, they might evaluate the living situation, social support, balance, memory issues, and ability to perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating.
Who needs to see a geriatrician?
Just because a person is over the age of 65 does not necessarily mean that they need to see a geriatrician. Consider a consult with a geriatrician when your loved one is suffering from several diseases and or disabilities which can include memory concerns. Another time to consider a consult is when the caregiver is having difficulty keeping up with the care of the loved one and managing multiple healthcare professionals being seen for different health conditions. An 80-year-old who walks a mile every day, is independent, and takes only one or two medications does not require the care of a geriatrician. However, a 66-year-old with multiple co-morbidities taking several medications could benefit from a geriatrician.
What Benefits does a Geriatrician have over a PCP?
Time
One of the greatest advantages of seeing a geriatrician is time. A PCP has a very short appointment time, usually ten minutes, to evaluate their patient. A geriatrician has much longer appointment times, usually an hour, so there is time to discuss all medical concerns.
Considers the Whole Picture
An elderly person who has several health issues, medications, and therapies can be difficult to manage, especially because their bodies give unique warning signs and tolerate treatments differently than a younger person. The geriatrician has the specialized knowledge and ability to look at the whole picture.
Decreases Misdiagnoses and Overmedicating
There are an estimated 49.2 million older adults who are receiving specialized geriatric care from a PCP. Having a PCP manage specialized geriatric concerns such as cognitive assessments, psychological impairments, and other non-normative aging diseases can lead to misdiagnosis and overmedicating. A geriatrician is better able to manage those complex issues and prescribe treatment that will bring a better quality of life.
Decreases Hospitalization
Being misdiagnosed and overmedicated can lead to other complications arising. This scenario is seen frequently in hospitals. Many times, it’s from mismanagement of medication. As a person ages, the body has a harder time metabolizing the medications, and the more medications a person is on the higher the chance of a side effect. A geriatrician will be less likely to prescribe risky medications and is better able to watch for warning signs so adjustments can be made before hospitalization is required.
How to Find a Geriatrician?
Sadly, there is a shortage of this type of physician and the demand for them is increasing. To see if a geriatrician is accepting new patients near you go to HealthinAging.org. Or you can call (212) 308-1414 to have a list mailed to you.
How to Prepare For the Visit
· Have a list of your parent’s health history, past and present diagnosis, past surgeries, and allergies
· List of medications
· List of other doctors your parent is currently seeing
· Know the goals for your parent’s care
Questions to Ask at the Visit
· Training- ask if the doctor has received special training or certifications
· Accessibility- Make sure your insurance is accepted by the practice. Ask about after-hours questions and how emergencies are handled. You can also ask if there are at-home services provided.
· Communication- Ask how the MD prefers to communicate with you and how the MD communicates with other specialists such as cardiologists, pulmonologists, and neurologists.
· Philosophy- Make sure you and the geriatrician are on the same page when it comes to the health goals
Conclusion
Watching your parents age can be difficult. You want the very best care for them and maybe that is with keeping their same PCP. However, if the health management is difficult and there are a few medical issues going on, switching to a geriatrician might be in their best interest. Now you understand the role of the geriatrician, when they are used, and how to locate one.