There is no one-size-fits-all approach to choosing a senior healthcare provider. Some people benefit from the specialized expertise of a geriatrician. Others may prefer to stick with their longtime primary care provider. Knowing more about the types of healthcare providers and what to look for can make exploring senior care less overwhelming for families.
Key Takeaways
- A senior healthcare provider may be a primary care provider, geriatrician, or another licensed healthcare provider who helps manage the healthcare needs of older adults.
- Not every older adult needs a geriatrician. Many people receive excellent care from their primary care provider and referred specialists.
- Accessibility, communication style, insurance coverage, and care coordination are important factors to consider when selecting a senior care provider.
What is a Senior Healthcare Provider?
A “senior healthcare provider” refers to healthcare professionals who provide medical care for older adults. Common healthcare professionals who serve as senior healthcare providers include:
- Primary care providers (may specialize in family medicine or internal medicine)
- Geriatricians
- Nurse practitioners or physician assistants who provide healthcare services to older adults
- Specialists (cardiologists, neurologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, etc.)
What are the Benefits of Having a Senior Healthcare Provider?
Potential benefits of having a senior healthcare provider include:
- Ongoing management of chronic health conditions
- Preventive care and recommended health screenings
- Medication review and monitoring
- Coordination with specialists, when appropriate
- Monitoring changes in physical or cognitive function
- Continuity of care through changing health needs
How Can Families Choose the Right Senior Healthcare Provider?
Choosing a healthcare provider involves balancing medical expertise with practical considerations and personal preferences.
Accessibility and Convenience
Practicality is a major consideration when choosing healthcare providers; physical proximity to the provider, available transportation, appointment availability, and more can all present barriers to receiving timely, consistent care.
As your family considers healthcare providers, it may be helpful to ask questions like the following:
- Is the office conveniently located?
- Are the office hours compatible with your family’s schedule?
- Does the practice offer telehealth appointments?
- What languages do the providers and staff speak?
- Are appointment times long enough?
- Is it easy to schedule appointments?
- Is transportation available through community programs or other local resources, if needed?
- Is the office accessible for individuals who use walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices?
By answering these questions, your family can get a better idea of who you want to choose for your next healthcare provider.
Specific Health Needs
Different healthcare providers have different areas of expertise. The most appropriate provider for seniors often depends on the individual’s health concerns rather than age alone.
Health factors to consider when selecting a senior care provider include:
- Is there a chronic condition that needs management, like heart disease, diabetes, or arthritis?
- Are there multiple conditions that need management?
- Does the patient have mobility or balance concerns?
- Does the patient show signs of memory loss or other cognitive changes?
- What are the individual’s mental health and behavioral needs?
By knowing the answers to these questions, your family may be able to decide better if a specialist or another type of provider is a better choice.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance networks and provider participation may change over time, so confirming coverage directly with both the insurance company and medical practice is often helpful for avoiding unexpected medical bills.
Before scheduling an appointment, it may be beneficial to verify:
- If referrals are required for specialists
- Expected out-of-pocket costs
- Which healthcare systems the provider is affiliated with
Bedside Manner
Communication is critical to the overall healthcare experience. Different providers have different ways of talking with their patients that may or may not fit your family’s personal preferences. When exploring your options, it may be beneficial to read reviews from past patients to learn more about how the provider communicates treatment options clearly, encourages questions, and listens.
Credentials and Experience
Certifications and professional experience can provide helpful information when evaluating healthcare providers. For example, a provider who has decades of experience serving in a local area may be more attractive to certain families than providers who recently moved into the system.
Patient Involvement and Care Coordination
Adult children may be tempted to choose a healthcare provider for their parents without any input. However, healthcare decisions are often most effective when the older adult is involved in the process. When the patient feels respected, they may be comfortable enough with the provider to discuss concerns they may not feel comfortable sharing with someone else.
Choosing Healthcare Providers in Senior Living Communities
Assisted living and memory care residents and families often need to coordinate care among off-site healthcare providers and on-site staff members to support continuity of care while respecting the resident’s preferences and legal rights. Talking with the staff at your senior living community about care coordination may make it easier to choose a provider who is familiar with coordinating care with senior living residents.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a healthcare provider for seniors is a decision based on factors like practicality, experience, and personal preference. Ultimately, the right senior healthcare provider is one who the patient feels comfortable with.
FAQs
At which age should someone switch to a geriatrician?
There is no specific age when someone should switch to a geriatrician. In fact, many older adults continue receiving excellent care from their primary care provider throughout their lives.
However, there are times when switching to a geriatrician is the right choice. Some seniors living with complex medication needs or multiple age-related chronic conditions, for example, find that a geriatrician can provide the level of care they need.
Is there a “best” type of healthcare provider for seniors?
There is no single “best” type of healthcare provider for every older adult. Some people receive all the care they need from a primary care provider, while others benefit from seeing a geriatrician or specialists as part of a healthcare team. The best fit depends on the individual’s medical history, current health concerns, communication preferences, and more.
What is the difference between a primary healthcare provider and a geriatric doctor?
Primary care providers and geriatricians are both healthcare providers with different areas of interest:
- Primary care providers provide preventive care, diagnose and treat common illnesses, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate referrals to specialists for patients of all ages or adults.
- Geriatricians are providers focused on the healthcare needs of older adults, particularly those with complex medical conditions, multiple medications, mobility concerns, or cognitive changes.
Will Medicare pay for a geriatric doctor?
Certain Medicare policies may cover medically necessary services rendered by a geriatrician, provided the geriatrician accepts Medicare and the services meet Medicare’s coverage requirements.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or healthcare advice, express or implied.
