Geriatrician (or physician for old age) is a specialist medical doctor who cares for older patients. Geriatricians, who are board-certified in old-age medicine, specialize in issues that affect the aging population. They coordinate care for older patients, as well as diagnosing and treating any age-related problems. These doctors can also provide care in collaboration with other medical professionals. Below are some reasons you should consult a geriatrician.
They treat and diagnose age-related medical conditions
As physicians, they must be sensitive and understanding of the needs of the elderly throughout their career. This population is increasingly prone to age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, urinary incontinence, and vascular dementia. Cognitive and psychological changes are also common among the elderly. This article will address common issues that doctors encounter with older patients. It will also discuss changes that are normal with aging. The article will then cover common diseases and the cognitive- and psychological changes associated to aging.
They coordinate care for seniors
This study was done to assess the current conditions of primary healthcare teams and to identify the needs of older adults. Findings will help physicians develop a care coordination model for primary care that will address the specific needs of older patients. Researchers also surveyed a representative sample of care coordinators in order to understand their views on the issues faced by this population. Participants noted that there was little patient involvement in planning, difficulties coordinating care between health care systems and limited knowledge about the services available to older people.
They can coordinate care with other healthcare providers
A study revealed that doctors are crucial in ensuring patient safety by being able to coordinate care. Care coordination makes it easier for multiple health professionals to communicate with each other, reducing the chances of having to order unnecessary tests or treatments. Interestingly, 61 percent of seniors reported that their doctors asked them about their treatment instructions and who else they were seeing. Twenty-eight percent indicated that they would prefer to be contacted by their doctors more often. 52 percent of respondents indicated that they would be interested in participating in a program for chronic disease management.
They perform pre-operative assessments
Preoperative cardiac risk assessment is an important part of the preoperative evaluation. It identifies patients suffering from unstable heart disease, and allows for the possibility of delaying surgery. It may be unnecessary to administer stress tests if a patient is functionally stable and can walk up a flight of stairs. The preoperative cardiac risk assessment may reveal other conditions that can affect the outcome of surgery if a patient has been bedridden.
They treat falls
Elderly people often fall. Although falling is a common problem for seniors, more than 25% report it every year to their doctors. Many fall victims don't report their injuries to their doctor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even if they do, serious injuries or death can still result from falling. Poor balance and physical condition can all contribute to a fall.