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Kaiser Health News
Large numbers of seniors aren’t receiving recommended interventions that could help forestall medical problems and improve their health, according to a new survey from the John A. Hartford Foundation.
Notably, one-third of older adults said doctors didn’t review all their medications, even though problems with prescription and over-the-counter drugs are common among the elderly, leading to over 177,000 emergency room visits every year.
Falls cause over 2 million injuries in people age 65 and older annually, but more than two-thirds of the time doctors and nurses didn’t ask older patients whether they’d taken a tumble or provide advice about how to avoid tripping on carpets or slipping on the stairs, the Hartford poll found.
Similarly, depression can cause people to become socially isolated, suicidal, or stop taking care of themselves, but 62 percent of seniors said doctors and nurses hadn’t inquired about whether they were sad, depressed or anxious.
The results, which cover a period of 12 months, speak to doctors’ and nurses’ lack of training in geriatric medicine. Providers need to recognize that “care of an 80 year old differs from that of a 50 year old,” said Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, professor of geriatrics at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. But too often, this doesn’t happen.
Seven interventions examined in the Hartford study are part of Medicare’s annual wellness visit, which became a no-cost benefit available to all seniors in the government health program in January 2011. Yet 54 percent of older people surveyed by the foundation had never heard of the Medicare wellness visit while another 14 percent weren’t sure if they had.
Only 2.3 million seniors out of a total 35 million with traditional Medicare coverage took advantage of wellness visits last year, according to government data. Medicare pays doctors about three times their ordinary office visit rate for asking about older adults’ ability to function, evaluating their mood, recommending preventive services, and connecting them with community resources during wellness visits.
“These are low tech, low cost interventions that are easy to do and that can have a huge impact on an older person’s medical care and their quality of life and function. But too many providers and older adults don’t realize they’re important,” said Dr. Sharon Brangman, chairwoman of the board of directors of the American Geriatrics Society and professor of medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical University.
Christopher Langston, program director at the Hartford Foundation, said older adults should schedule a Medicare wellness visit and talk to their doctors about recommended preventive care. The Rand Corp. has found that only 30 percent of older adults get care supported by medical evidence, compared to 55 percent of the general population, he noted.
Still, despite gaps in care uncovered, 97 percent of respondents reported being satisfied with their primary care providers.
The mission of the Hartford Foundation is to improve the health of older adults. Its survey, released Tuesday, asked 1,028 people age 65 and older between February 29 and March 3 about their experiences with care. The study was conducted online by Lake Research Partners and had a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points.
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I mean come on! How much can a doc do when each patient gets 5 'interrupted' minutes. Geez.
Didn't provide advice on how to avoid tripping on carpets or slipping on stairs? Didn't ask if they were sad?
This is absurd. No wonder Medicare is rapidly sliding into bankruptcy if it is seeking to spend money for providing advice about hazards everyone knows and asking preposterous questions. Yes, doctor, I'm sad because I'm old and dying and losing my faculties. Can you change that, can you make me young again? Then the doctor replies, no but I've ask the meaningless question the government wants me to.
I'm in this group and I certainly don't need the doctor to provide such obvious advice or ask merit-less questions. How about Medicare saving the money for substantive tests and treatments.
It's actually a good thing for doctors to discuss issues such as depression with the elderly.
Many are clinically depressed when there are options available to help them overcome that depression. Getting older is NO reason to suffer from depression. Some of the happiest people I've known are those who are older and even dying but they have came to terms with death and are able to see the positive things that they have accomplished in life.
If the older person reports being very sad when asked the physician can refer them to a psychologist who works with the elderly. The psychologist can also help them to put into place measures that will prolong their ability to live on their own and at a better quality of life. Including making lifestyle changes that would reduce the chances of falling.
That not only helps the person but also saves the system money by them not prematurely being placed in a nursing facility charging $5000 a month when they could live for 2-3 years more on their own.
Oh and 3X the office rate?? Really? In my area the reimbursement is about $28 for 15 min for that talk, so not sure how that equals 3X.
Don't bother trying to be logical with folks whose mind is made up, contrary to all logic. Some folks would just put the elderly on an ice floe to die. Funny most of them are the same folks who accuse Democrats of wanting to create "death panels" by reimbursing doctors for end of life counseling which could also save the system money in the long term.
It isn't just the elderly - you all better go into an appointment with your list. You have a minute to present your problems. Doctors have to accept the limited time they have with each patient. Especially, he/ she is in a group or clinic. 15 minutes and you're out. Wait for Obama care. Less doctors - more patients per doctor.
Doctor can't be doing with family and friends should be doing.
Explain in detail how the health care reform will impact your experience. Is it your position that some folks should not be permitted access to health care so you can have more time with your doctor?
Health care for everyone couldn't possibly be any worse than it already is. On average we spend two hours in our medical facility (group practice, formerly run by a local employer) for a blood pressure check, go over meds, etc. Most of the time is spent in the waiting room or sitting on an exam table or chair waiting to be seen. My husband had to take off work to take me earlier this year when I was injured. He waited two hours for me to come out (didn't see my doctor) and the physician assistant didn't even offer to X-ray my leg. Told me to go home, walk on it and take Tylenol. As it turned out five weeks later (after four X-rays and MRI and specialist) I found I had actually injured my knee in two areas. There is definitely something wrong with doctors, offices, insurance, prescription drugs, the whole medical mess is maddening.
Even geriatric doctors don't bother. I have a close friend who is 74 and is having trouble with balance and memory. His doctor kept harping on him to lose weight, but he has such severe balance problems that he can't even use a treadmill without risking a fall. I got him to go to a geriatric doctor. She is totally worthless. Didn't bother to review his meds for possible contribution to the dizziness and memory issues or deal with any of his other problems. He may as well have seen a pediatrician or a veterinarian.
I just love these media doctors with all their great advice. In the real world, most doctors respond by rote and offer nothing more than cliches. They can't be bothered.
Why should doctors care? The elderly are going to die soon anyway, and that means they're not a good source of revenue for the future. So screw them. Hey, doctors are not stupid. That's why they chose to be doctors. For the money. Or are you really so naive that you think they do it to cure people? What? Cure people?? And lose all that money?? Are you kidding me?
Somehow I doubt that "curing people" is going to decrease the number of available patients. And we're already seeing a shortage of general practioners.
And people keep smoking, overeating and underexercising. I don't see that trend decreasing.
Plus old people can drive you crazy asking questions.
These things used to be standard procedure with the doctors from the greatest generation even when they practiced at large clinics and hospitals with the assembly line medicine. When I was 45 I was treated for cancer by a team of doctors and got great care and was then turned over to 70 year old hemotologist as a primary care physician. He took good notes. Made me feel as though I'd talked to him just yesterday though it had only been two weeks. If I said I felt "ok" as opposed to " very good" he would stop right there to inquire about the down grade. I asked him why he worked in a clinic, working Saturdays and sometimes holidays instead of private practice and he said he loved medicine but hated the business of medicine. He died about a year later of a heart attack. He was very fit and always took the stairs at the clinic instead of the elevator. So this was a great shock to all who knew him. I miss him. They don't make 'em that way anymore.
Many doctors refuse to accept new Medicare patients.
Another contributing factor could be that many seniors had been to the doctor for health problems, so they didn't see the need to go again for a wellness visit. My grandfather's doctors were coming to see him about once a month in the years before he died.
At the ripe age of 73, I sought out a geriatric specialist this year and couldn't be more pleased. Even though this specialist is in a less convenient area for me, the difference in the manner in which she examined all aspects of my current health as well as medical history could not be more thorough. Most general physicians cannot take the time necessary (or have the skills) to benefit someone over the age of 70. I highly recommend that older folks consider finding a geriatric specialist if at all possible.
Gerontological nurse practitioners (GNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses educated and clinically trained to manage the care of the growing number of older adults in this nation. GNPs can be part of this solution! Interested in learning more about GNPs then check out the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association web site.
My wife is a gerontologist (a PhD research psychologist who studies aging in a Tier 1 research university.) What people miss is the tremendous cost savings from catching early and treating early and prevention. Out Medicare system is the worst in the industrialized world and lacks features that every other industrialized country provides. For example, there is no vision care or dental care in Medicare despite the evidence that the need for both is greatest in the elderly.
I, based on just overheard conversations, could go through an over-65's house (I am 68 and have done it in my own) and cut the rate of falls by over 1/2. Just removing extension cords and throw rugs and providing hand rails and moving items to lower shelves is enough to save hundreds of lives a year and keep many more thousands living on their own.
But what the heck, Republicans are made out of money. They will cut the most important areas until they find the level that is the most absolutely expensive and stop there instead of just using a little common sense. That's why we spend more on prisons than education. We have created a situation where it would be cheaper to send prisoners to college than to prison.
It's not the doctors' fault, blame it on the corrupt insurance corporates and their Republican political puppets! We should have been on socialized medicine many years ago!
Vote SRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC, the lives you save WILL be YOURS & your CHILDREN!
Whatever..............
I agree that the insurance companies are corrupt and that the system MUST be fixed. Proof of that is in the fact that on average over half of your healthcare dollar is going to things besides your healthcare.
However, look at the tax rates in most countries with socialized medicine. Are you willing to pay 50-75% of your paycheck in taxes?
Also, the democrats had control right after Obama was elected and guess who donated millions of lobby dollars to them?? Insurance/pharma companies. Also look at who is on the board of major pharma and insurance, you'll find a balance of democrats and republicans.
I thoroughly agree that it is the dem/libs who are in control of the pharmaceutical companies and they are threatening the insurance companies with Obama Care because the insurance companies refused to be taken over. We have to be aware that under Obama Care is a committee to decide whether or not seniors will receive life-saving treatments, or if they will simply be given medications to remain "comfortable" as they die.
How many of you have read on these very chat boards that the liberals who think we're greedy for having bought our homes and saved for our old age? So is this "home visit" for the seniors, or is it simply one more way of the liberals find their way into our lives? Do they get to decide whether or not we're "able" to remain in our homes? No thank you. Liberals and insurance companies can keep their home visit. We, the elderly, need to begin finding a way to help each other. We don't need to invite the pariahs in.
No, blame it on the phycisians. I have yet to see a physician with a gun to his head forcing him to move on to the next patient. If you bring a list with you, you are "one of those" and if you don't bring a list opf questions, then he is in and out before you can ask everything. But it is his choice to overschedule his time. He wanted the big money and the best way to increase profits is to see as many patients for the shortest time possible.
Most young pre-med students that I've met through my own college kids want to go into pediatrics. I have yet to meet a kid who wants to go into geriatrics, I wonder why they aren't considering this. Seems like geriatrics would be a better bet than pediatrics right now.
the compensation for geriatrics is very unfair and much less than other specialties
My father is a board certified geriatrician, but he essentially had to marginalize this part of his practice because the 60-90 minutes that seniors required for their visits was reimbursed at the same rate as the 15 min checkup of a younger person. An average of 50 bucks a visit for 60 minutes gross is not enough to support a practice
I do not recommend this field for anyone in medicine...but its unfortunate
$50 an hour is still far more than the average employee makes, at about $7.25 an hr, with or without the PHD. On a reg 8 hour day, that's $400 a day. Not bad.
kitty,
couple obvious things you overlooked
that 50 bucks is gross, not net. Subtract out practice expenses, nurses salaries, medical assistant salaries, malpractice, secretaries, and there's very little left for take home pay
The "average" worker you cite making 7 bucks an hour does not have the education, nor work the hours of a physician
To be frank, your response was not very well thought out
Eric,
I would add in the cost of outstanding college and medical school loans too. There are very few doctors graduating from medical school debt free.
The $7.25 an hour worker may or may not have finish high school on his/her parents dime.
LL
Who wants to deal with old people?
Other old people, Mike.
Mike: When you are old, you better hope someone wants to deal with you. With your cranky attitude, probably not!
This comment is for Mike Fillmore. I am 78, had 5 babies. A person like you Mike is is ignorant. Wait until you
get into your 70s, 80s.Years of hard work, bringing up children, laundry, cleaning, meals, constant crisis in
the family. I do feel sorry for your mother. My husband and I do NOT have a cranky attitude, but we are full of information from the years of study. My husband is a retired engineer and contractor, I am a retired
Phycologist. I have helped many women see a better life before them. I gave kindness and love to all my brothers and sisters under "GOD". What have you done with your life MR. Fillmore, other than judge the elderly?
The current health insurance system may be corrupt but socialized medicine is not necessarily any better. You may just be trading one set of evils for another. For example, some countries with socialized medicine have actuaries who calculate the patient's statistically probable age of death. If the elderly person needs an expensive procedure, they make the date of the visit to the specialist after that projected date of death. If they aren't dead by then, they recalculate and make the date of the procedure after the next projected date of death, etc..
What about HMOs, you may ask? The top HMOs in this country (yes, the famous one in California) have been known to instruct their doctors to refrain from making diagnoses that cost them money in the hope that the turnover rate of their patients will move the patient to another health plan which will then have to pay for the care. Examples I have seen are hernias ("It's just an outie."), HIV ("Maybe you feel tired because of a thyroid problem"), heart disease ("Your diabetes/high blood pressure are OK but I don't have time to listen to your heart for the loud heart murmur the doctor at your work said he heard. Maybe next time.") On a personal level I was told that my 90 year old mother was dying and had been placed in hospice care. When I arrived in Arizona the hospice nurse met me outside her cottage and reassured me that "last rites" had been given to her and she was at peace. However, when I saw my mother complete with oxygen mask and wheelchair, she didn't look like she was near death. She was on about ten different medications and some were at doses that are twice the maximal dose for a forty year old and much higher for a 110 lb. elderly person (the elderly require lower doses because they don't metabolize the drugs as well as younger people). Some of her symptoms were just what are caused by the drugs she was overdosed on, so I lowered her doses down to a normal range and she felt much better. I brought her to see her HMO cardiologist. In his office her blood oxygen saturation on room air was 96% - a normal value. So I told them to take the oxygen away. When I told him I had lowered my mothers medication doses because they were too high, the cardiologist became enraged and said only he could change her doses. His nurse practitioner then told me "Why should we do (or care) anything about your mother's problems. We have elderly patients who come here every day with the same complaints." Psychologically my mother thought she was going to die. Her cardiologist had told her so. It took many weeks including physical therapy/rehabilitation but now 2 years later she is well and lives independently/walks a mile every day. The rehab nurse said that something similiar had happened to her mother. And rationally it makes sense. Elderly patients cost HMOs much more money than younger, healthier ones. If you can intoxicate them with their medicines and tell them they are going to die, maybe they will and your profit margin will increase.
If the story about your mother is true, and you really think your mother's cardiologist, hospice care worker, and nurse practitioner are all actively trying to end her life, you should go to the police. Your mother should also change doctors.
Furthermore, which countries with socialized medicine have actuaries that schedule appointments? Do you have any sources to back this up?
The doctor of my father, in his 80s, was constantly fending off podiatrists, ear-nose-throat doctors, and a host of others who wanted to perform elective surgeries on a man who was dying of heart disease. They had no concept at all that there were non invasive ways of dealing with his issues. If it weren't for his doctor saying no constantly and steering my dad to non-invasive interventions the other doctors would have killed him years earlier. These guys should be trained in geriatrics -- if only to avoid the inevitable malpractice lawsuits that result from the deaths and injuries they cause.
Be sure they check for bladder infections. My mother and uncle both had plumbing issues that could have been caught earlier. When Mom couldn't 'go', no one asked her to bring in a sample later. Wish I'd started going with her much earlier. If you don't have someone, get a friend to make a list of questions and ask for the answers in writing!!
I'm a senior on a lot of meds. I take a computerized list of the meds with dosages and diagnoses, as well as names of all my doctors and what I'm being treated for, to every appointment. Almost without exception, they do not even glance at the list. I experience side effects from several of the meds, and when I tell my physicians about the side effects, most of the time they prescribe another Rx for the side effect: Anti-inflammatory meds causing stomach upset leads to antacid meds, etc. I know I am overmedicated, but each doc declares that HIS medication is a necessity, and maybe it is. So now I'm feeling sick and depressed. Oh, wait! There's a pill for that....
Sherrie.. Often specialists tend to focus on medications within their expertise, so they may not appear as interested about those prescribed by others. However, if your primary care physician (who should be coordinating your care) hasn't looked at your list of medications or doesn't already have a detailed list in your chart that they've looked at closely before you came in, then (if possible) you should consider finding another physician. There are those out there that will listen.
You should also speak with your pharmacist to make sure that the medications and dosages are appropriate when used together. A good pharmacist can sometimes spot things that one physician may miss when multiple meds are prescribed by multiple doctors in varying specialties. Sometimes the pharmacist can also make a phone call and talk with your doctor about taking another look at your medications.
Finally, some insurance companies won't pay for or offer discounts on some meds that may actually be better but more costly. If your physician has the "recommended" drugs list that often means a low copay then they will try to make those meds work, because the patient can't afford the $100/month for the more preferred medication.
Thank, you, Mike. The truth is, anything that isn't generic is already coming through Canada. There's no way I could afford the $1000/month for meds. That's a "whole 'nother problem," I know. My endocrinologist would like me to try a newer diabetic med, but it is $300/month just for that, and I use seven or eight prescription drugs and some over-the-counter remedies such as an antihistamine for allergies and a probiotic. This doesn't even include the $100 spray for small areas of psoriasis, other ointments, diabetes supplies, etc. Add in Medicare Part B, the supplement plan, and you have, well, bankruptcy? And the latest addition to this pharmacopia has caused me to lose a considerable amount of hair. There is already another pill being recommended for that. I am really considering a "pill holiday" for everything except diabetes and blood pressure.
No offense Sherrie but these doctors got you going through a revolving door!!Watch out they maybe over medicating you!
As far as diabetes and high blood pressure, that sometimes can be taken care of naturally!
You do what you want,it's your call!
I'm not saying this to be offensive,I'm saying because my mother died from being over medicated,and you could not convince her other wise!
Just be careful,these doctors have people coming and going, and alot of it is unnecesary.
You are welcome Sherri, just be careful if you stop taking or change certain medications. Some medications must be weaned off and some may truly be needed for your well being. I can empathize with the cost of medications, my elderly father and many of my patients struggle with paying for such. If you find a good pcp they can often give you some free samples and don't be afraid of scheduling an appointment with the sole purpose of reviewing your medications. Your doc can figure out how to bill it.
As far as natural or herbal remedies, there are some that contain similar molecules/chemicals as found in some prescription medications. However, the dosages are not regulated or consistent and some herbals may even be toxic to your system when mixed with certain medications or even other herbals. So you should always check with your doctor if you add in natural remedies.
Appropriate diet and exercise can also help a lot with your health. It's common for people as they age to become more sedentary, yet a small amount of physical activity is needed can make a world of difference. Another thing a good doc should be able to discuss with you.
TALK TO YOUR PHARMACIST! He or she is specially trained to spot drug interactions, know the side effects of the drugs, and suggest lower cost alternatives. They can also go through the list of medications and tell you exactly what each one does, and what will happen to you if you quit taking them.
At 84 I have come to realize that your better off keeping your mouth shut while in the Doctor's office.The Doctor will treat the obvious.The wellness questions and your confessions will cost you your drivers license.
If you are not honest with your physician and end up getting into an accident that kills someone, losing your license is the least of your problems.
Both of my parents willing surrendered their drivers' licenses when it was time to do so because they put the safety of those around them above their own personal needs.
My mom who died last year, had a wonderful doctor she got after her orginal doctor left the practice. He was very patient with her; however, he always ran late because those 15 minute scheduled appointments could be 30 - 45 minutes or so. Her health improved quite a bit until COPD caused her death. I don't think she would have made it as long as she did with her orginal doctor.
Like a neighbor. He was in and out of the hospital at least 6 times since January. I would see the ambulance take him. And he has cancer and volunteered three times a week at the hospital. 6 or 7 weeks ago he fell in front of his place, And a couple days later died with no one noticing. After being late on rent after more than 10 years the landlord came to collect and discovered his body. You would think that the hospital he volunteered at would have responded knowing his condition. but nope, no one noticed. As for me, he is about 300 yards away and trees and two other homes obstruct view. Besides he has never liked me because I have a dog. Evidently, he had fallen outside several times and within a few days and before he would have died, the electric, water reader or someone else would discover him and summon help. This time, no one cared.
Doctors do not fail to help seniors, seniors fail to help themselves. Just look around, you will find most seniors overweight, using electric cart, walker, or canes, they do not watch what they eat, they use more salt than most, they do not take their medication as prescribed. Seniors then will say, what is it of your business. It is our business because by you not doing as your doctor say, your costing Americans $5 billion annually in medical cost. Most of the ailments that seniors have is contributed to their poor life style and refusal to change.
My mother walked 6 miles a day until the age of 82, watched her weight and diet, and always took her medication. Today at 88, she has all of her teeth; is, if anything, underweight; but, is in a wheel chair with osteo arthritis, has dementia and suffered a stroke several months ago. I guess you just figure her current condition is somehow HER fault!
Popo
Your generalizations have nothing to do with reality. I hope your bigotry doesn't come back to haunt you. Remember that you, too, will be old some day.
That goes for every body. Not just seniors.
Popo
you are a very, very small person!
He probably is very small in certain areas, too. ;-)
I'm 62 and the reality that I'm in the "checkout aisle" of life is beginning to hit me. I took my wife to the hospital for tests yesterday and I was struck for the first time by how many elderly people shuffled painfully down the halls or sat helplessly in wheelchairs waiting for a nurse. I think it's time to start thinking about how to help someone die with dignity rather than artificially prolong their life with an endless choice of drugs. I always think of the grim futuristic movie "Soylent Green," where Edward G. Robinson checks into a clinic to die - friendly staff, spacious white room, choice of wide-screen video and music, and choice of death. Watching a nature video with Beethoven's "Pastoral Symphony" softly playing in the background sounds like a cool way to exit. Better than cockroaches crawling all over you as you lie in a urine stained bed attended by surly "caregivers" while you slowly die by degrees.
Everytime I see that movie I think the same thoughts that you do.
I hate getting old because I know I will receive substandard care now. I have witnessed this since getting on Medicare, 6 months ago, at the age of 68. The doctors I have used for years are not as eager to schedule me back for follow up visits or RX drugs or even take the time to talk to me, now. I mentioned to my 15 year plus, female cardiologist, that I was very down, caring for a sick husband, a fall I took over speed bumps, having to downsize from a home we lived in for 25 years and retirement. I recognized all the signs of depression with all of this yet...she would not help me with it. GYN and PCP would not either. it is like I am a stranger to them. There is a new physician office building going up 1 block from a large retirement center. I am praying for a sign that states: Geriatric Physician. ...This would be like winning the Lottery. And yes...I do not like being on Medicare any more than the doctors.
Change doctors! Ask around and see if you know anyone who has a good geriatric doctor.
Always comes back to dollars. A nursing home is a prison where your crime is that you lived too long. I hope somebody takes me to the vet like I did for my poor old dog rather than let him suffer. As usual when benefits get cut it is the frail elderly and disabeled who lose. God helps those who help themselves, but who helps those who cannot help themselves? Our tax $$ will go to pay for the multi vacations and plush parties with cast of thousands for the politicos, not for elder care, ain't happening in my lifetime. If it costs $500K for the top-politico's latest vacation that could translate to 25,000 (twenty five thousand) hours of home health assistance, or 12,500 old folks could each get help twice a week ($20 an hour is average in our area for aides), or 500 disabled folks could get help once a week for a year, not counting how many jobs that would make, nah...... seniors are not the priority let alone even on the radar.
Doctors: So well educated, so well compensated - and yet, so unwilling to do their f*ckin jobs. Gotta love 'em.
We have a wonderful caring, compassionate physician who spends time with his patients -- explaining thoroughly and answering questions and asking us questions, and when he doesn't know something he says so and calls a specialist to get the answers. He reviews all of our medications and makes sure we understand how to take them and why they are needed. He also asks if we can afford them. He asks all the right questions about our mental well-being and not just our physical issues. He is worth his weight in gold and then some and is absolutely the best doctor we have ever had.
That said: I think it has more to do with the individual doctor's personal position on what it means to be a doctor. If the doctor is in it for the money, it will show. If the doctor is lazy, it will show.
And as you age, there are good reasons to seek out specialists in geriatrics -- ask friends for references.
Also:
Speak up! You must be your own advocate, but you also must be willing to listen. If your doctor says lose weight ask for help on how to do that and then do what you can. If your doctor tells you to stop smoking or cut back on sodium, fast food, fatty food, do it.
And when your doctor is attempting to make sure you are safe, i.e., about your driving or living alone, the doctor is not being intrusive or bossy -- the doctor is trying to make sure you are safe and secure. If the doctor asks about whether you feel sad or anxious, don't blow it off. There are good reasons for asking and good reasons for you to tell the truth.
Never lie to your doctor; it doesn't help either of you.
Well stated Abby! The sad thing is that most doctors know when patients are lying and it's hard to fix a problem when the patient refuses to be honest.
The part about doctors don't brief seniors about falling, is kind of silly. At 71 I have enough brains to know their a different between being 20 versus 71 on falling down. These questions on research groups, can be somewhat stupid questions.
My doctor doesn't ask me questions about every little aspect of my life either. Should I be mad because she doesn't ask 33 year old specific questions? Look, your doctor isn't your friend, this is not a social visit. Bring a list of your medications, tell your doctor if you're sad, tell him if you've fallen, bring a list of questions, bring a friend or family member who is familiar with your condition, be proactive with your own healthcare! BTW more falls are caused by pets than rugs but no one in their right mind would suggest to anyone that they get rid of their dog. People know how to be safer, they just choose not to, that's not the doctor's fault.
I can see where this is going. The young are not aware or could care less about the mind set of senior citizens. then there are elderly folks on here that have no clue about the differences in the mental capabilities in people of the same age. Try dealing with a 70 year old with early onset on dementia as opposed to a sharp minded Senior of the same age. there are many factors to consider and the elder population of today are living to be much older, That will not be the case of today's over weight youngrer generation.
I know all too well that this is true. We took my husbands father in at the age of 87 after he had a fall (didn't break anything) because his 82 yr. old girlfriend he had lived with for 25 years refused to take him back after the hospital. I became his primary caregiver and medical advocate. He just died this friday. His primary care was Kaiser. I took him to every appt. for various reasons throuhout the years, and I have said from the beginning they do not know or care about the special needs of the elderly. If they don't have an advocate who questions everything they are screwed. When he was hospitalized with pneumonia at 91 in January, they kept trying to dicharge him before he was ready. I told them I would not take him home till he was stable for at least 3 days, and hadt file appeals. I also refused to take him home unless he was released with home hospice in place. They admitted to me that they needed him out of there due to the pressure of medicaid/medicare. It's a very sad state of affairs. i forgot to mention he had altzheimers, so if i was not ther fighting for him and questioning everything they did he would have died then because he could not tell them what was going on with himself.
$100 for 5 minutes and they only want healthy people as patients. They have college loans to pay off.
Kaiser is like the car of the same name; old out of touch and uncaring as the devil.