Q. WHAT IS GERIATRICS?

A. Geriatrics is a specialty that concentrates in the elderly care. Since many diseases goes unrecognized, the geriatrician in this case Carlos Mercado, MD searches for atypical complaints. This specialty concentrates on taking care of the patient as a whole.

Q. WHAT IS THE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT?

A. The Assessment searches for the most common syndromes in the elderly such as dementia, depression, problems with medications, falls, urinary incontinence, failure to thrive or inability to gain weight, advance directives, activities of daily living, durable power of attorney.

Q. WHY IS IT THAT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT?

A. It is very important since early detection of diseases will provide early diagnosis as well as prompt treatment. Prevention is the key.

Q. WHO BENEFITS FROM A GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT?

A. Anyone with the following problems:

• Anybody more than 60 years old
• Problems with memory
• Problems taking multiple medications
• Problems falling
• Problems loosing urine
• Problems with mobility and ambulation
• Decline in functioning such as “losing the ability to cook or pay bills”
• Problems with hearing
• Problems eating
• Concern from a family member noticing alteration in behavior or personality

Q.WHAT DO I NEED BEFORE MY APPOINTMENT?

A. The geriatrician will need as much information as possible. Fill out forms related to your Past medical and surgical history that needs to be detailed, bring all medications to your consultation, bring a family member if indicated.

Q. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE THE ASSESSMENT DONE?

A. It depends on the complexity of the case. Usually 1 to 2 hours. The patient will arrive to GERIATRICSMD and will be greeted. Ideally, all paperwork to be faxed or mailed in advance, so the geriatrician will review all the information collected. Then the testing starts such as memory loss and others as above mentioned. This evaluation takes time, but provides the physician and the patient with a good understanding of their medical condition.

Q. IS THE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT COVERED BY INSURANCE?

A. Unfortunately, medical insurances don’t provide coverage for this type of service. However, GERIATRICSMD offers payment capability such as “CARE CREDIT”.

Q. WHAT THE GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT COVERS?

A. Each assessment covers the following:

• Comprehensive consultation with the physician
• Performance of the geriatric assessment
• Blood test: CBC, Chemistry profile, TSH, Vitamin B12, RBC Folate, RPR, VAP test (special cholesterol test), PSA ( for males only)
• DNA test of 18 genes related to HEART HEALTH, DIABETES PREDISPOSITION, BONE HEALTH, ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY
• Full report to the patient as well as the referring physician with recommendations and plan.

Q. WHAT IS THE “SILVER PROGRAM” THROUGH GERIATRICSMD?

A. Once you have the evaluation performed, immediately you are elegible to have 10% discount in any aesthetic procedure such as laser resurfacing, botox, fillers for the face, chemical peels, microdermabrasion or any other procedure in our menuas well as one complimentary consultation with our physician to design a customized treatment.

Q. WHAT IS OUR “GOLD PROGRAM”?

A. Combines GERIATRIC ASSESSMENT + AGE MANAGEMENT (includes a comprehensive HORMONE EVALUATION in 24 hour urine collection and in blood as well as treatment with bio-identical hormone) + 10 % discount on aesthetic procedures+ 1 complimentary consultation for the patient and other one for a family member.

Q. WHAT IS AGE MANAGEMENT?

A. GERIATRICSMD has developed a “HORMONE EVALUATION” program that addresses common problems as we age as follows:

• ERECTYLE DYSFUNCTION
• MENOPAUSE symptoms
• LACK OF ENERGY
• LACK OF VITALITY
• SKIN CHANGES
• MEMORY PROBLEMS
• FEELING DEPRESSED or DOWN
• LACK OF MUSCLE TONE
• LACK OF APPETITE

THE EVALUTION includes a 60 page comprehensive evaluation done by Carlos Mercado, MD. 24 hour URINE COLLECTION that checks all hormones. BLOOD TEST and DNA TESTING.