FAQS

Geriatric medicine is the study of all aspects of aging including the physical, emotional and psychological concerns of the older individual. It is the medical complement to gerontology, which is the social study of aging.

To be board-certified in the sub-specialty of geriatrics in the United States, a physician must already be certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The physician also must complete at least an additional year of training in geriatric medicine, demonstrate competence in care of patients, meet licensing requirements and pass a rigorous examination.

An initial comprehensive geriatric assessment consists of:

• A review of all available medical records, charts, data and history
• A review of all concerns that the person, their family, the caregivers or facility (if involved) may have
• A discussion regarding what is important in life to this person, goals of care, wishes for resuscitation and other interventions
• A functionality assessment focusing on quality of day-to-day life, including suggested ways for the family or other caregivers to help
• Evaluation of acute, chronic and neuropathic pain and recommendations for management
• Referrals to physical or occupational therapists as necessary
• A review of medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, to identify drugs, dosages and interactions that may be troublesome to the older person
• A physical examination
• A mental and emotional examination, including:
  • Examination for memory problems, decision-making capacity, and dementia, which can be caused by factors as varied as vitamin deficiencies, Alzheimer’s disease or strokes.
  • Treatment recommendations for agitation and mood problems, including training in techniques for moderating anger or reaction in the person with dementia without increasing their confusion
  • Diagnosis of depression and recommendations for treatment and behavioral interventions.
• Preparation of a report to be delivered to the person evaluated or durable power of attorney, the family physician and, if that person chooses, to other caregivers or facility.
• Communication and collaboration with the primary physician who, in most cases, will continue to manage patient care and emergencies. ElderConsult is also available to provide primary care in some areas. This is especially helpful to those who are housebound or refuse to visit a physician.

We do not accept Medicare or Supplemental Insurance, nor do we participate in HMOs. For other types of insurance such as PPOs, we will send the patient’s responsible party the required forms to bill their insurance. Anything insurance- related will be your responsibility. We cannot guarantee that your insurer will reimburse you. Please contact them for more information and to follow up on the claims.

Yes, even if “home” is a skilled nursing facility, assisted living facility or some other alternative living arrangement. ElderConsult providers will also visit those admitted to hospitals to do an evaluation and leave a report for the admitting physician as well as discuss the case with that doctor. ElderConsult doctors will not write orders for hospital patients.

No. We will bring any necessary equipment or supplies. If blood tests are needed, we can draw the blood and deliver it to the appropriate lab.

No. We first attempt to reach the physician prior to the exam. We discuss and suggest—but we do not order—medication adjustments. We find that most primary physicians welcome the expertise of a trained geriatric physician in managing the care of older patients. These are often some of the most challenging patients in a physician’s practice. Such patients often require more time and attention to address complex issues than a primary physician often can spare. Your ElderConsult practitioner will collaborate with your primary physician to provide the best possible care.

In order to have decision-making capacity, (“Competence” has an entirely different meaning, and is a legal term), one must demonstrate an ability to understand the risks and benefits of a proposed intervention (either financial or medical) and be able to communicate a choice.

The evidence of understanding required for entering into financial agreements is higher since the concepts are abstract and the outcomes can have dramatic effects for the person’s well-being. A lower level of evidence of understanding must be shown for a person to be able to choose their medical durable power of attorney, or health care proxy.

Of course, there are also cases where the person is subject to undue influence and the person that they think is their advocate may not behave as such. These are complicated cases that can require time and teamwork to resolve—often from Adult Protective Services, elder care attorneys and geriatricians or neuropsychologists.