Q: I am 67 years old. I am frustrated by my growing list of aches and complaints, and I feel like I take too many medications. Do I need a different doctor?
(We asked Dr. Lauren E. McKay DO, assistant professor in geriatric medicine, for her answer to this question. Here's her response.)
A: "That is a great question! It is certainly frustrating when you do not feel that your concerns are being addressed as you would like, especially if it is affecting your quality of life. As people age, their health care status can become more complex. Many older adults find themselves living with multiple co-morbidities or conditions; having a doctor who specializes in aging and providing medical care to seniors can help. It would be unfair to expect primary care physicians (PCP) to specialize in every realm of medicine. So, it is not unusual for patients -- especially older people -- to have multiple doctors involved in their health care. Considering adding a geriatrician as part of your care team may be a good idea.
Geriatricians are physicians who have undergone three years of either Internal Medicine or Family Medicine residency, followed by one to two years of fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine, (medical care of patients 65 years and older). Geriatric providers are trained to take a more holistic approach to care. They address all facets of a patient's life: not only their physical ailments, but also their emotional and mental wellbeing, and their goals for care, prioritizing quality of life versus treating one condition. Geriatricians work in all areas of the healthcare system, from outpatient office-based care to inpatient hospital care as well as nursing home care and even home-based primary care.
Most geriatricians are also trained in memory care as well as polypharmacy (taking many different medications) and deprescribing medications (reducing or removing medications considering drug interaction or changes in health), all with the patient's physiology in mind. Some medications, including over the counter (OTC) products, are not good for older individuals and can inappropriately interact with each other or have side effects that could lead to falls, urinary/stool incontinence, altered mental status, memory loss and even death.
Your initial appointment with the geriatrician would likely include a comprehensive history and physical examination, which would include a gait evaluation (how you walk), strength and debility, how your symptoms or conditions are affecting your quality of life, as well as what has been done in the past to address your needs. A healthcare plan would then be designed with your input based on this information.
Anyone considering seeking geriatric care should discuss the option with their primary care physician. They should be able to help decide if it would be a good move and if so, refer you to a geriatric specialist. It is important to note that Geriatrics is a specialty, so it is suggested that you contact your insurance company to help find an in-network doctor, to be sure your insurance will cover the visits.
For more information on the Sticht Center and how to make an appointment with a geriatrician, please contact:
Lauren E. McKay, DO
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Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Sticht Center Medical Center Blvd Winston-Salem, NC 271057
336-713-8250
In addition to the Sticht Center, here are some other local clinics that focus on older adults' health care:
Oak Street Health has at least one geriatrician at each of their 235+ clinics across the USA.
Oak Street Health: 2668 Peters Creek Parkway, Winston-Salem, NC 27127, 336-298-8791
Novant Health Family Medicine Shorefair: 114 West 30th Street, Suite 800, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, 336-277-2680,
novanthealth.org/pf/providers Scroll down to the Geriatrics section for more information.
CenterWell Easton- Senior Primary Care (formerly Dedicated Senior Medical Center): 3409 Thomasville Road, Winston-Salem 27107, 743-229-3300, dedicated.care.
For additional local resources that cater to older adults, contact the Senior Services Help Line: 336-724-2040 or email [email protected]
AgeWise is a weekly column compiled by staff of Senior Services Inc., a nonprofit organization in Winston-Salem. If you have a question, email [email protected] or mail to Senior Services, 2895 Shorefair Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
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