The later years can be an active and satisfying time of life. Sometimes, however, older adults face complex health or social problems.
WashU Medicine geriatric specialists, including geriatricians and nurses, provide comprehensive assessments and recommendations to older adults and their families to help manage and overcome these obstacles.
The WashU Medicine geriatrics program has consistently been ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report’s hospital rankings.
We can help if you need answers to your questions and concerns. We can help if you or a family member is at least 65 years old and has complex problems.
Some of the problems and concerns we commonly evaluate are:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Depression and anxiety
- Osteoporosis and falls
- Medication problems and side effects
- Poor appetite and weight loss
- Decreased ability to perform daily activities
- Concerns about current living situation
How does it work?
First, you meet with our geriatric experts at the Center for Advanced Medicine for a consultation. The consultation includes a complete evaluation of your current health to create a plan of care.
The evaluation has three major parts:
- Medical assessment: This includes a complete medical history and physical examination.
- Function assessment: This explores your ability to function independently and the potential for additional services. Objective, standardized tests are used and include memory screening.
- Mental, emotional and social assessment: This is completed to explore your feelings and mood, living situation, level of activity or care giving issues.
After the consultation and evaluation, our geriatric experts create a list of any concerns and recommendations about your overall health. We meet with you and your family to review our findings and answer your questions. Our team shares a written summary and any appropriate resources with you and your primary care physician.
How do we collaborate with your primary care physician?
Your family physician is the best source of ongoing care. A complete summary of our assessment and recommendations is sent to your primary doctor, who will help individualize your plan of care. Your doctor will continue to provide care, but we are available for continued consultation. We can assist with the management of certain problems such as memory loss, depression, difficulty in performing daily activities and behavioral disturbances resulting from problems.
Does insurance cover the cost?
Medicare and major insurance companies generally cover most of the charges associated with the assessment. We accept Medicare Assignment. You should confirm specific coverage with your insurance carrier.
Location
Center for Advanced Medicine
4921 Parkview Place, 5th Fl. Suite 5
St. Louis, MO 63110
Make an appointment
Phone: 314-273-4374
Fax: 314-983-0155