Posted By

August 16, 2008, 6:00 pm
Flag as Inappropriate mandiees  

  Subject

Geriatric Physicians 

How important is it for elderly people to visit a physician that speclializes in geriatric issues? Would a regular GP be just as good as a geriatric specialist? 

August 17, 2008, 7:44 am
Flag as Inappropriate skatss says...

Because the older population of this country is growing, there is finally some real interest into looking at the medical problems of the elderly. Most older people used to be barely tolerated by their doctors and they weren't really paid the amount of attention that they needed.

I think that once you retire, it would be a good idea to go to a specialist in older people. Geriatric doctors know more about how elderly people react to drugs, how they sometimes need different treatment than younger people and they also know more about programs that are opened to the elderly when they need help.

Since you take your baby to a doctor who specializes in younger patients, I think you should take the same care and have older people go to doctors who know more about people in their age group. 

August 17, 2008, 1:05 pm
Flag as Inappropriate DianaR says...

There are conditions that are sen as artifacts of aging, that a GP isn't prepared to treat. 

August 18, 2008, 10:46 am
Flag as Inappropriate MissyA says...

If I were responsible for the care of my elderly parent, I would want to know they were getting the best care from the someone who truly cares about them and not just being tolerated while their here. A doctor who has taken the time to study geriatrics is interested in patients in this age group and I believe would provide better care. 

September 20, 2008, 3:52 am
Flag as Inappropriate patrol71 says...

My parents are seniors and go to the same geriatric doctor. They love their doctor and always speak highly of him. It's a relief to know there are some great doctors out here who care.