What do you call a doctor that treats old people? A Comprehensive Guide

According to the CDC, over 78% of adults aged 65 and over have at least two chronic conditions. An expert who specializes in this complex care is crucial, so what do you call a doctor that treats old people? The correct term for this medical specialist is a geriatrician, and understanding their role is key to navigating senior healthcare.

Quick Summary

The medical professional who specializes in the healthcare needs of older adults is called a geriatrician. This physician provides comprehensive, holistic care for seniors with complex or multiple health concerns.

Key Points

• The Specialist's Title: The doctor that treats old people is called a geriatrician. This is a physician with specialized training in geriatric medicine.

• Geriatrician vs. Gerontologist: A geriatrician is a medical doctor who treats age-related diseases, while a gerontologist is a non-medical expert who studies the social, psychological, and biological aspects of aging.

• When to See One: Consider seeing a geriatrician if managing multiple chronic conditions, taking numerous medications, experiencing cognitive or mobility issues, or needing assistance with complex care coordination.

• Holistic Approach: Geriatricians focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care, often collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to address a wide range of physical, mental, and social needs.

• Comprehensive Care: Appointments typically involve detailed medical reviews, medication management, and functional and cognitive assessments to create a personalized treatment plan.

• Finding a Specialist: To find a geriatrician, get a referral, check insurance coverage, research credentials, and consider a consultation to ensure a good fit.

Understanding the Role of a Geriatrician

A geriatrician is a physician who has completed a standard medical degree (MD or DO) followed by a residency in internal or family medicine. They then undergo an additional one to two years of fellowship training specifically in geriatric medicine. This specialized education focuses on the unique health challenges that can arise with age, from managing multiple chronic diseases to addressing issues like cognitive decline, mobility problems, and medication management.

Unlike a general practitioner who sees patients of all ages, a geriatrician's expertise is fine-tuned to the complexities of aging. They often work as part of an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and other specialists to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. This holistic approach is essential for older adults who often face a variety of intertwined physical, mental, and social challenges.

Geriatrician vs. Gerontologist: What’s the Difference?

It's a common point of confusion, but the distinction between a geriatrician and a gerontologist is important. While both fields relate to aging, their roles are fundamentally different.

Feature	Geriatrician	Gerontologist
Focus	Clinical medicine, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of age-related diseases.	The scientific study of aging, including social, psychological, and biological factors.
Training	Medical Doctor (MD/DO) with specialized training in geriatric medicine.	Academic or practitioner degree in fields like sociology, psychology, or social work. They are not medical doctors.
Role	Directly provides medical care, manages chronic conditions, and coordinates treatments for older patients.	Conducts research, develops social policies, or works in supportive, non-clinical roles like senior services coordination.
Credential	Must be a licensed physician.	No medical license required; their expertise is not for treating medical conditions.

When Should an Older Adult See a Geriatrician?

Choosing when to transition from a general practitioner to a geriatrician is a personal decision, but several signs indicate that specialized care might be beneficial. Generally, if an older adult is managing multiple complex health issues or experiencing functional decline, a geriatrician is a valuable addition to their care team.

Indicators that a geriatrician may be helpful include:

• Managing five or more medications, which increases the risk of side effects and dangerous interactions.
• Experiencing physical frailty or mobility issues, such as frequent falls or a decline in physical function.
• Dealing with age-related conditions like dementia, incontinence, or osteoporosis.
• Needing guidance on complex end-of-life care or advance directive planning.
• Frequent hospitalizations or challenges recovering from a hospital stay.
• Finding that the treatment for one medical condition seems to worsen another.

What to Expect at a Geriatrician Appointment

Geriatrician appointments are typically longer than a standard doctor's visit, allowing for a more thorough and comprehensive assessment. These visits cover a wide range of factors affecting an older adult's health and quality of life.

1. Comprehensive Medical Review: The geriatrician will take a detailed medical history, including all current conditions, surgeries, and family history. This provides a complete picture of the patient's health.
2. Medication Reconciliation: A careful review of all prescription and over-the-counter medications is a standard part of the visit. Geriatricians are experts at identifying potential drug interactions and simplifying complex medication regimens.
3. Functional Assessment: This evaluates the patient’s ability to perform daily activities, including mobility, balance, and cognitive function. These assessments are critical for identifying risks and planning for future care needs.
4. Cognitive Evaluation: Memory and cognitive tests are standard to screen for early signs of dementia or other cognitive impairments.
5. Discussion of Goals of Care: A geriatrician will discuss the patient's personal goals for their health and lifestyle. This helps tailor a treatment plan that aligns with what is most important to the patient and their family.

Finding the Right Geriatrician for Your Needs

Finding the right specialist is a multi-step process that can be crucial for ensuring high-quality care. Here is a numbered list of steps to help guide your search:

1. Get a Referral: Start by asking your current primary care physician for a referral. They can recommend geriatricians within your network who might be a good fit.
2. Check with Your Insurance: Confirm that the geriatrician is covered by your health insurance plan. If you are a Medicare recipient, you can use the official Medicare Physician Compare tool.
3. Research Credentials and Affiliations: Look for board-certified physicians, which indicates they have completed additional training and passed a rigorous exam. Consider if they are affiliated with a hospital or academic medical center known for geriatric care.
4. Ask for Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or support groups to get recommendations based on personal experiences.
5. Schedule a Consultation: Consider scheduling a brief, introductory appointment to meet the geriatrician and their staff. This allows you to assess their communication style, ask about their philosophy of care, and ensure the practice is a good fit.

For more detailed information on choosing a specialist, this resource from the American Geriatrics Society provides valuable guidance on finding qualified professionals.

Final Thoughts

Navigating the healthcare system as an older adult can be challenging, but understanding the value of a specialized physician is a critical step. A geriatrician's focused expertise in treating complex, age-related conditions can significantly enhance a senior's quality of life and help them maintain independence for as long as possible. By addressing the comprehensive needs of their patients, they ensure that care is not only medically sound but also deeply aligned with personal goals and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should someone start seeing a geriatrician?

There is no set age, as the need is often determined by the complexity of health issues rather than just chronological age. Many people start seeing a geriatrician after 65, particularly if they are managing multiple chronic conditions, taking several medications, or experiencing physical or cognitive decline.

How do you find a geriatrician near you?

You can find a geriatrician by asking your primary care physician for a referral, using your health insurance provider's online directory, or using resources like the American Geriatrics Society's 'Find a Geriatrics Healthcare Professional' tool.

What kind of conditions do geriatricians treat?

Geriatricians treat a wide range of conditions common in older adults, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, mobility issues, incontinence, and balance problems that lead to falls.

Do geriatricians replace a primary care doctor?

Not necessarily. A geriatrician can serve as the primary care provider, but they often work in conjunction with a general practitioner to add specialized expertise to the care plan. They are particularly helpful for managing complex cases.

Can a geriatrician help with memory loss?

Yes, geriatricians are highly skilled in diagnosing and managing memory-related issues, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. They can perform cognitive assessments and coordinate care with neurologists or other specialists.

What is the training required to become a geriatrician?

After completing medical school, a geriatrician completes a residency in internal or family medicine, followed by a one to two-year fellowship specifically in geriatric medicine. This intensive training provides deep expertise in the care of older adults.

How does a geriatrician handle medication management?

Geriatricians are experts at medication reconciliation. They carefully review all medications to minimize polypharmacy (the use of multiple drugs), reduce side effects, and prevent dangerous drug-to-drug interactions, ensuring the regimen is as effective and safe as possible.