Geriatric Assessments
Aging gracefully is one goal for which we can all strive.
If you are witnessing a loved one struggling with the aging process, Healthnetwork can provide you with priority access to a Geriatric Assessment program at one of the top hospitals in the country.
Convincing an elderly loved one they need help with their daily living activities may be one of the most difficult challenges that you ever face. They may not sense the subtle changes you are noticing and you may not know where to turn for help.
It may be time to ask yourself some difficult questions about your loved one.
- Are they growing more forgetful each time you visit or call?
- Have they changed their social activities?
- Do they have issues with walking and balance?
- Are they taking multiple medicines or supplements?
- Do they have different physicians for different ailments?
- Are they having trouble driving a car?
If the answers are “yes” to all or most of these questions, one call to Healthnetwork provides you with real solutions.
Renowned geriatrician Robert Palmer, M.D., and his team at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will guide your family through a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary “whole person” approach to evaluating the physical, social, cognitive, and behavioral issues. Recommendations will be made at the conclusion of the evaluation to determine the independence of your elderly loved one.
A typical assessment takes about a half day and includes:
- Comprehensive medical history and physical exam
- Vision and hearing screenings
- A review of the patient’s medications
- A functional review of all instrumental activities of daily living
Further testing may be recommended based upon your loved one’s medical history.
UPMC has gained prominence for its research in the area of geriatric medicine, and receives more funding for geriatrics than any medical institution in the world. UPMC’s Geriatric Assessment Program features more than 30 trained geriatricians on staff and 12 geriatric psychiatrists. These specialists work with UPMC physician assistants, nurse practitioners, social workers, registered nurses, and podiatrists to provide a full spectrum of care for patients.
If traveling to UPMC is not possible, Healthnetwork can help you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive geriatric evaluation at one of these world-class hospitals in your area:
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston MA
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles CA
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland OH
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham NC
- Emory University Hospital, Atlanta GA
- Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore MD
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN
- St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital, Houston TX
- Swedish Medical Center, Seattle WA
- UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles CA
- University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago IL
- University of San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco CA
What is the cost of a Geriatric Assessment? Is it covered by insurance?
The fees for a Geriatric Assessment vary from hospital to hospital and depend on the individual’s needs. Some or all of the costs associated with the physician consultation, diagnostic tests and referrals may be covered by Medicare Part B and/or private insurance plans. Once we connect you with our hospitals partners, you work directly with the hospital on payment and insurance issues. You are responsible for the cost of all medical care received from the hospital and physician.
If you have questions or wish to schedule a Geriatric Assessment, contact Healthnetwork for priority access 440/893-0830 or 866/968-2467 help@healthnetworkfoundation.org
“Dr. Robert Palmer, Head Section Geriatric Medicine, Cleveland Clinic spent so much time with us. His style is so comforting and his expertise gave us every bit of confidence that we are doing all the right things for my mother.”
Healthnet GOLD Member