What kind of doctor should a 70 year old woman see?

According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 95% of adults over 60 have at least one chronic condition, making specialized care increasingly important. Understanding what kind of doctor should a 70 year old woman see is the first step toward proactive and personalized healthcare.

Quick Summary

The ideal doctor for a 70-year-old woman depends on her health complexity. For those with multiple chronic conditions or complex needs, a geriatrician provides comprehensive, specialized care. A long-term, trusted primary care physician (PCP) or an internist is still an excellent choice for a woman in good overall health.

Key Points

• Consider a Geriatrician: If you have multiple complex health conditions or manage many medications, a geriatrician offers specialized, holistic care for older adults.

• Maintain a PCP Relationship: For a 70-year-old woman in generally good health, a trusted and long-standing primary care physician (PCP) is often an excellent option.

• Assess Individual Needs: The choice between a geriatrician and a PCP is personal and depends on the complexity of your health needs, not just your age.

• Assemble a Care Team: Beyond your primary doctor, a complete care team should include specialists like a cardiologist, ophthalmologist, and audiologist for a comprehensive health approach.

• Prioritize Communication: Look for a doctor who actively listens to your concerns and respects your health goals, ensuring you feel comfortable and understood.

• Check Insurance Coverage: Always verify that potential doctors are in your insurance network (e.g., Medicare) before making a final decision.

Navigating Healthcare Choices at Age 70

As women enter their eighth decade, their healthcare needs often evolve. The long-term relationships built with primary care physicians (PCPs) are valuable, but new considerations arise, particularly concerning managing chronic conditions, medication, and mobility. Deciding whether to continue with a general PCP or transition to a geriatrician is a significant and personal choice that depends on an individual's specific health profile.

The Role of a Geriatrician: A Specialist in Comprehensive Care

A geriatrician is a medical doctor who completes a residency in internal or family medicine, followed by a fellowship in geriatric medicine. Their specialized training focuses on the unique health challenges and needs of older adults, typically those aged 65 and older. This specialized focus can be particularly beneficial for a 70-year-old woman who:

• Manages multiple chronic health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, or osteoporosis.
• Takes a long list of medications, often prescribed by different specialists (polypharmacy).
• Experiences age-related syndromes like dementia, frailty, incontinence, or balance problems.
• Needs a doctor who understands the interplay between different medical conditions and the effects of aging on the body.

Geriatricians are trained to provide a holistic, big-picture approach to care. They consider not only a patient's physical ailments but also their mental health, functional abilities, and social environment. This can lead to more coordinated, personalized care aimed at improving overall quality of life and maintaining independence.

The Case for a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

For many 70-year-old women in good health, continuing with a trusted PCP, such as an internist or family medicine doctor, is a perfectly suitable option. A PCP who has known a patient for many years has an invaluable understanding of their medical history, lifestyle, and values. This is ideal when health concerns are less complex.

Reasons to consider staying with a PCP include:

• Established Relationship: The comfort and trust of a long-standing doctor-patient relationship are significant.
• Good Health: If a woman is generally healthy with few chronic conditions, a PCP can continue to manage preventive care, screenings, and routine check-ups effectively.
• Subspecialty Expertise: Some PCPs, especially internists, may have additional focus areas like rheumatology or endocrinology that align with a patient's specific needs.

Many PCPs are adept at managing the needs of their older patients and can refer to specialists on an as-needed basis. The key is to have open communication with your current doctor about your changing health and what level of care they can provide as you age.

Geriatrician vs. PCP: A Comparison

Feature	Geriatrician	Traditional PCP
Primary Focus	Complex health challenges, multiple chronic conditions, age-related syndromes (e.g., dementia, frailty, falls).	General health and wellness, preventive care, routine check-ups.
Patient Population	Specializes in older adults (65+), particularly those with complex needs.	All adult age groups.
Training	Residency in internal or family medicine + specialized fellowship in geriatric medicine.	Residency in family medicine or internal medicine.
Approach to Care	Holistic and comprehensive; considers physical, mental, and social factors. Often coordinates multiple specialists.	General approach to medical care, refers to specialists as needed.
Appointment Length	Typically longer to allow for comprehensive evaluation and discussion of complex issues.	Standard appointment lengths.
Availability	Can be limited due to a national shortage of geriatricians.	Generally more available.

The Extended Healthcare Team

No single doctor can manage every aspect of senior health. A 70-year-old woman's care team often includes a variety of specialists. Regular check-ups with these professionals are vital for maintaining overall well-being:

• Cardiologist: Heart disease risk increases with age. A cardiologist specializes in heart health and can help manage conditions like high blood pressure or heart failure.
• Ophthalmologist or Optometrist: Regular eye exams are crucial for detecting age-related conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
• Audiologist: Hearing loss is common in older adults, and an audiologist can assess, manage, and treat hearing impairments.
• Gynecologist: While reproductive health changes, a gynecologist still plays a role in managing menopausal symptoms, performing routine pelvic exams, and cancer screenings.
• Rheumatologist: For those with joint pain or conditions like osteoarthritis, a rheumatologist specializes in managing musculoskeletal issues.
• Dentist: Good oral hygiene is linked to overall health. Regular dental check-ups are essential, especially for women over 70.

How to Find the Right Doctor for You

Finding the right healthcare provider is a personal journey. Here are some steps to take:

1. Assess Your Needs: The most important step is to honestly evaluate your health. If you have several complex medical issues, a geriatrician might be the right choice. If you're generally healthy, your current PCP might be all you need.
2. Check Your Insurance: Confirm which doctors, especially specialists, are covered by your insurance plan (e.g., Medicare). The official Medicare website offers a 'Physician Compare' tool to search for providers in your network.
3. Get Referrals: Talk to your current PCP for a recommendation. You can also ask friends or family for physicians they trust. If you have a specific condition, an advocacy group may offer suggestions.
4. Prioritize Communication: During an initial consultation, pay attention to the doctor's communication style. Do they listen carefully and make you feel heard? For many seniors, a doctor's personality and their willingness to answer questions are as important as their medical expertise.

Remember that even if you choose a geriatrician for complex needs, you may still see your existing specialists. The geriatrician can act as the central coordinator, ensuring all your care is managed cohesively.

Ultimately, the best doctor is one who listens to your concerns, respects your health goals, and provides the expert care and coordination you need for a healthy and independent life. It is never too late to make a positive change for your well-being. For more information on healthy aging strategies, you can visit the National Institute on Aging website, a highly respected resource for older adults.

• For authoritative guidance on healthy aging, visit the National Institute on Aging website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a geriatrician and a regular primary care doctor?

A geriatrician is a primary care doctor with additional specialized training focused exclusively on the health challenges of older adults, such as managing multiple chronic diseases, medication interactions, and age-related syndromes like dementia or frailty.

Should a 70-year-old woman see a geriatrician even if she is in good health?

Not necessarily. If a 70-year-old woman is in generally good health with only minor issues, continuing with a trusted primary care physician is often sufficient. A geriatrician is usually recommended for those with more complex or multiple health concerns.

When is the right time to consider switching to a geriatrician?

Consider a geriatrician when your medical needs become more complex, such as managing multiple chronic conditions, experiencing memory issues, or having difficulty with mobility. A good rule of thumb is to have this conversation with your current doctor when you feel your needs are outgrowing a general practice model.

What kind of female-specific health screenings are important for a 70-year-old woman?

Screenings for women over 70 include bone density scans for osteoporosis, hearing and vision tests, and potentially modifications to cancer screenings. You should also continue to see a gynecologist for routine wellness checks.

Is it possible to have both a PCP and a geriatrician?

Yes, some people keep their long-term PCP for routine care but consult with a geriatrician for specific, age-related issues. This approach allows you to leverage the specialist's expertise while maintaining your existing relationship with your primary doctor.

How can I find a qualified geriatrician in my area?

You can start by asking your current primary care physician for a referral. Other options include checking your insurance provider's directory, using search tools on authoritative health websites like HealthinAging.org, or contacting a local hospital or university medical center.

What questions should a 70-year-old woman ask a potential new doctor?

Ask about their experience with elderly patients, how they handle communication with specialists, and how long appointments typically last. It is also important to ask about their philosophy on care and whether they are comfortable with managing your specific health needs.