A physician for old age (Geriatrician) is a specialty medical doctor who treats the medical needs of older patients. Geriatricians are board-certified specialists in old-age medicine and can help with any medical issues that may affect an aging population. In addition to diagnosing and treating age-related conditions, they coordinate care for older patients. These doctors are also skilled in providing care in conjunction with other medical professionals. Listed below are some of the reasons why you should see a geriatrician.
They treat age-related medical issues
As doctors, it is important to pay attention to the needs of the older patients throughout their careers. 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 talk about common discussions between physicians and older patients. We'll also review changes that can be expected as a result of normal aging. Next, you will find information about common diseases as well the cognitive and psychological changes that come with aging.
They coordinate care for elderly patients
This study sought to understand the current context of primary health care teams and the services offered to older adults in the community. This study will allow physicians to develop a care coordination system for primary care that meets the needs of older people. To understand the views of these care coordinators, researchers also conducted a survey. 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 also coordinate care with other providers of health care
According to the study, doctors need to be able coordinate their care to ensure patient safety. Care coordination helps to keep multiple health care providers informed, and reduces the possibility of unneeded tests and treatments. It was interesting to note that 61% of seniors said their doctors had asked them questions about their treatment and the other people they were seeing. A further 28 percent of the respondents said they would love to get more follow-up calls from their doctors. A further 52 percent of respondents stated that they would enjoy a long-term disease management program.
They provide preoperative evaluations
Part of the preoperative evaluation is a perioperative cardiac risk assessment. It is designed to identify patients with unstable hearts disease that may be able to benefit from delayed surgery. If a patient can climb stairs and is functionally stable, stress tests may not be necessary. A preoperative cardiac risk assessment can reveal other conditions that could affect the surgical outcome if a patient is in bed.
They deal with falls
Older people are more likely to experience falls than any other problem. Although more than 25% of seniors experience falling every year, only half report it 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 report it, a serious injury or death can occur from a fall. A fall can be caused by several factors, including poor balance or physical condition.