Choosing a Geriatrician

Elderly individuals may develop disabilities or illnesses that are more common to their age group. Many seniors struggle with frailty, frequent falls, problems with memory and medication-related side effects. A geriatrician is a specialist who can manage the more complicated health care needs of older adults. When selecting a geriatrician, consider these questions:

  1. What is the doctor’s background? Medical education? Years of experience?
  2. What are the doctor’s office policies and hours?
  3. Is the doctor covered under your health care plan?

Additional Geriatrician Tips

  • A geriatrician must be a board-certified physician who has trained in either family practice or internal medicine. 
       * A geriatrician specializes in treating older adults can provide knowledge and skill that other     physicians cannot.
  • Asbury Heights has its own team of board-certified and fellowship-trained geriatricians who see residents in the Asbury Health & Wellness Center. Hospitals, universities and medical societies also have plenty of resources for matching you with a geriatrician that fits your needs. 
  • Your friends and co-workers will be honest with you about doctors they have used. Find out which geriatricians are popular among friends or those with older relatives and see if that doctor would be right for you.
  • If your loved one has a chronic disease like asthma, diabetes or glaucoma, ask your doctor about any experience treating a patient with this disease.
  • It should be convenient and easy to visit your doctor’s office, so keep in mind:
    * Location: Closer to home is better.
    * Office hours: You want a doctor who is accessible as much as possible.
    * Office staff: If your doctor is inaccessible or out of town, who do you contact instead? Are you      comfortable with them?
  • Will you be using Medicare hospital insurance? If so, determine if your doctor is part of a managed care plan network. If you use the fee-for-service program, you do not need to worry about this.
  • It is important for you to have an open flow of communication with your doctor. Find a doctor who will share with you and, with your permission, with other family members when necessary.
  • Bring all medical records and medications, including both prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, to the first visit. Plan to ask plenty of questions.

Read more about the value of geriatricians.

Learn more about Asbury Heights by requesting information or arranging a tour. You can also visit the Asbury Health & Wellness Center page.