Geriatrician, or physician for the old age (Geriatrician), is a special medical doctor who takes care of older patients. Geriatricians are specialists in the medical problems that affect the aging populace and are board certified in old age medicine. Geriatricians are skilled in diagnosing and treating aging conditions as well as coordinating care for older patients. These doctors are skilled at providing care in collaboration with other medical specialists. These are just a few reasons to visit a Geriatrician.
They treat and diagnose age-related conditions
During their career, physicians must be sensitive to the needs of the elderly. These patients are more susceptible to age-related conditions like high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, urinary incontinence and vascular dementia. Seniors are susceptible to cognitive and psychological declines. This article will cover common conversations that physicians have with elderly patients, and discuss relevant changes in normal aging. It will then discuss common diseases and the cognitive as well as psychological changes that accompany aging.
They coordinate older patient care
This study was done to assess the current conditions of primary healthcare teams and to identify the needs of older adults. This study will allow physicians to develop a care coordination system for primary care that meets the needs of older people. 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 work together with other health care providers to coordinate their care
It was found that doctor coordination is key to patient safety. Care coordination ensures that multiple health care providers are in touch, which reduces the chance of needless tests and treatments. A surprising 61% of seniors stated that their doctors asked about their treatment plans and who they were seeing. Twenty-eight% indicated that they would be happy to receive follow-up telephone calls from their physicians. 52 percent said they would love to be part of a chronic disease management group.
They provide preoperative evaluations
Perioperative cardiac risk assessment is an integral part of the preoperative evaluation process. It identifies patients suffering from unstable heart disease, and allows for the possibility of delaying surgery. Stress tests are not necessary if the patient is functionally stable and able to climb stairs. A preoperative cardiac risk assessment can reveal other conditions that could affect the surgical outcome if a patient is in bed.
They treat falls
Senior citizens are most likely to fall. While more than a quarter of senior citizens report falling every year, fewer than half report the fall to their doctor. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many fall victims don’t report it to their doctor. Even if they do, a fall can result in serious injury or death. A number of factors can lead to a fall including poor balance, or poor physical condition.