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. In addition to diagnosing and treating age-related conditions, they coordinate care for older patients. These doctors are also skilled at working with other medical professionals. Below are reasons why you should visit a general practitioner.
They treat age-related medical issues
During their career, physicians must be sensitive to the needs of the elderly. The elderly are at greater risk for developing age-related conditions, such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The elderly are more likely to experience cognitive and psychological changes. This article will cover common conversations that physicians have with elderly patients, and discuss relevant changes in normal aging. Next, you will find information about common diseases as well the cognitive and psychological changes that come with aging.
They coordinate the care of older patients
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. A representative sample of care coordinators was also surveyed by researchers to get their opinions on the issues facing 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 coordinate care with other health care providers
The study found that the ability of doctors to coordinate care is crucial to ensuring 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. A further 28 percent of the respondents said they would love to get more follow-up calls from their doctors. 52 percent also indicated they would like to take part in a chronic diseases management program.
They offer pre-operative evaluations
Part of the preoperative evaluation is a perioperative cardiac risk assessment. Its goal is to determine patients with unstable heart disease who may benefit from a delay in surgery. If a patient can climb stairs and is functionally stable, stress tests may not be necessary. If a patient is bedridden, the preoperative cardiac risk assessment will likely reveal other underlying conditions that will affect surgical outcomes.
They deal with falls
Elderly people often fall. However, falling is reported by more senior citizens than any other problem. But less than half report their fall to their doctor. Many people who fall don't tell their doctors, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Even if they do, serious injuries or death can still result from falling. A number of factors can lead to a fall including poor balance, or poor physical condition.