I am looking into changing my mom’s doctor, since she now lives with me. Is a geriatrician that important? What should I expect from one? Meaning, what do they do that’s different from a regular doctor?
Do you use the geriatrician as a general practitioner or do you only see Him/her for special issue?
And if dementia is diagnosed, a neurologist that specializes in that may also be a good idea. The geriatrician would potentially make the referral. There are times when that is necessary.
The experience was excellent, all services under one roof, deep respect for her age, condition, and numerous idiosyncrasies!
She is now seen by the physician on site in her AL, also very good, and very in tune with her needs as a 90+ client.
But I did find said doctors tend to want to see their patients every 3 months which I thought was a bit much, especially if the patient didn't have anything major, just age related problems. Thus, I use to change the appointments so it would be 4 or 5 months between appointments, unless the parent needed something sooner.
In fact, my sig other and I are both 73, and we have our own geriatrician, who we like. But like other geriatricians, they tend to over test, and give us meds when the blood work is just a tad over or under the norm. It comes with the territory.
We only go once a year. This is her primary. She also has home health throug Medicare.
I suspect that the differences in frequency of required visits are up to the doctor and the patient. I don’t believe it’s a requirement of geriatric doctors in general but perhaps of that particular practice. We’ve never been asked to do tests outside of ordinary blood work. Most of which I’ve requested.
Geriatric psychiatrists are medical doctors who may be the last specialty who actually "see" the whole person: body, mind and soul. Their input can be invaluable.
As a follow up note, Geriatricians understand elderly folks move more slowly, do not hear or see as well, and are generally tired. They speak more distinctly and more softly and walk more slowly while engaging in the personal touch. They will engage them in conversation, all the while assessing their mental condition, and also discuss medications and treatment with you. This care is priceless! So, if you have access to a Geriatrician, by all means GO!
So yes, a good Geriatrician is beneficial. You can also use an Internist.
However, not all physicians are created equally and you need to do your homework.
I keep my General Practitioner, MD, and let him refer me to specialists as needed. After close to 30 years, I trust him and trust is #1 in my book.
Like any specialist their real skill is when there is a tricky diagnosis to make, or a bunch of symptoms that are confusing to a general practitioner. To be honest, I would not really look for one over a hospitalist or GP, unless I was referred to one by another MD.