Geriatric Health Care Specialists: A New Addition To The Health Care Team

Finding the right doctor is essential for people of any age. It's especially important for older adults who often have numerous health conditions.

A knowledgeable physician – especially a doctor who focuses on caring for elderly patients – can provide the care older people need to stay as healthy as possible. The best time to select a doctor is before your parent needs medical attention.

The first step is to talk to your older relative about the kind of doctor she thinks will best meet her medical needs. Ask her about any symptoms, concerns or questions she may have about her health and any symptoms she may have noticed. With this basic information – and your support – your parent can make informed decisions about selecting a doctor.

FINDING A POTENTIAL NEW DOCTOR

A good way to find a doctor is by asking family members, friends, neighbors or other health care professionals for recommendations. Your dentist may know a good doctor who has offices in the same medical building. Hospitals often have referral services that match staff physicians with new patients. Your local medical society or a physician referral service can give you a list of doctors and their specialties.

INTERVIEWING POTENTIAL NEW DOCTORS

If possible, schedule a "meet the doctor" office visit so you and your relative can learn more about the doctor and his staff, and the doctor can find out something about your parent's health.

Work with your parent to make a list of questions that will help her choose the physician that best suits her health care needs. Bring along any of your relative's health care or hospital records you may have along with a pen and paper or a tape recorder to the appointment so you can jot down notes and questions. Most doctors do not charge for these appointments.

Questions to consider when choosing a new health care provider:

• Is the office conveniently located? What are the office hours?

• Where are lab tests and x-rays done? Some doctors can do simple tests in their offices.

• Is the office staff friendly and knowledgeable? Can you or your relative talk to the doctor or a nurse on the phone about minor problems? Are phone calls answered promptly?

• How long has the doctor practiced medicine? Where did he or she attend medical school? What additional training has she had?

• Which hospitals is the doctor affiliated with?

• How long do patients have to wait for appointments?

• How are weekend and evening emergencies handled?

• Can you accompany your relative to office visits?

Talk to your parent after the visit. Ask if he feels comfortable with the potential new physician and believes that he or she can manage his health conditions.

GERIATRICIANS: EXPERTS IN MANAGING THE HEALTH OF OLDER ADULTS

Geriatricians (or geriatric health care specialists) are one of the newest medical specialists. Besides their years of medical training, these doctors have received additional education in managing the special medical needs of older adults. They are not only experts in diagnosing and managing the physical disorders of older people, but can also advise their patients and their caregivers about psychological and social concerns or later life that may affect an older adult's physical health.

If your parent has been diagnosed with several chronic health conditions he or she is probably being treated by a primary care physician plus a variety of specialists. You might suggest that she schedule an appointment with a geriatrician for an evaluation.

CHOOSE THE BEST DOCTOR FOR THE BEST MEDICAL CARE

Selecting a new doctor is a big decision for your older relative and for you as his caregiver. It is important that you both feel comfortable with the physician your parent chooses and also the office staff. Gathering information about your older relative's health care needs and preferences will enable him make an informed choice about his health care now and in the future.