What is a geriatrician?

A geriatrician is an expert in the health of older people (geriatric medicine). Geriatricians have completed training which makes them a specialist doctor (consultant).

Geriatricians are experts in:

• the diagnosis and management of conditions in older people
• managing multiple conditions that older patients may have
• the management of risk factors that come with older age

Some conditions and problems that are common in older age are:

• falls
• confusion
• incontinence
• neurodegenerative diseases (conditions that destroy nerve and brain cells)
• stroke

As well as their clinical role, geriatricians are often also active:

• researching
• teaching junior doctors
• advocating for the health concerns of older adults
• advocating for improvements in the quality of care of older adults

When do I see a geriatrician?

There are many reasons why your doctor may refer you to a geriatrician. You may want to ask your doctor:

• Why do you think I need to see a geriatrician?
• Why are you choosing this geriatrician?
• How much experience do they have in treating my type of health problem?
• Which hospitals do they work at?
• How do I make an appointment with the geriatrician?

Geriatricians can work in:

• hospitals — including rehabilitation
• outpatient clinics — when you have an appointment at a hospital clinic but don't stay overnight
• aged care assessment teams (ACAT) — to help you and your carers work out what type of care you may need
• residential aged care facilities
• the community

There has been a large increase in geriatric services over the past 20 years.

What should I expect during an appointment with a geriatrician?

It's a good idea to take a family member or close friend with you to your appointment with a geriatrician.

Your geriatrician will ask about your symptoms, and they may examine you.

They may also ask about:

• your medical and family history
• any medicines you take
• any allergies you have
• your lifestyle
• the results of any recent tests you have had
• what care and support you may have in place at home

They might do or organise tests, such as:

• cognitive screening tests (to test your thinking and memory)
• blood tests
• urine (wee) tests
• imaging scans

You might need to wait for test results before you can discuss a treatment or management plan.

Your doctor will ask you about your treatment preferences. They might also refer you to other specialists or allied health services.

After your visit, the geriatrician will send a report to your doctor (GP). Your geriatrician may suggest regular and ongoing follow-up visits.

How much will seeing a geriatrician cost?

You can see a geriatrician at a public hospital clinic. This is covered by Medicare, so you don't need to pay anything.

It can be expensive to see private specialists. Ask about the costs when you book your appointment. You should also ask what costs Medicare will cover.

If you plan to use private health insurance, contact your health fund to find out what costs they will cover.

If the costs are too high, you can:

• consider seeing a different geriatrician
• talk to your doctor (GP) about other options

What questions should I ask a geriatrician?

Before your appointment, you may want to think about questions to ask your geriatrician. You may want to write them down so that you don't forget them during your appointment.

Some ideas for questions that you might want to ask are:

• Can you tell me what you intend to do?
• Do I really need this test, treatment or procedure?
• What are the risks — are there any side effects?
• Are there simpler, safer treatment options?
• What happens if I don't do anything — will I get worse?
• What are the costs to me — in time, money and emotionally?

Read about other questions you may want to ask your doctor.

Your geriatrician will be happy to try and answer any questions you have.

You can use healthdirect's question builder to help you better prepare for your medical appointment by creating a list of questions to ask your doctor.

How do I find a geriatrician?

Ask your doctor, close friends or family to suggest a good geriatrician. You can also use healthdirect's service finder to find a geriatrician near you.

Do I need a referral to see a geriatrician?

You will need a referral from your doctor or another specialist doctor to see a geriatrician.

The referral letter lets your doctor pass on useful information about you to the geriatrician. The referral letter may cover:

• your medical history
• relevant test results
• information about any medicines you take
• other health professional documentation, such as health assessments and care plans

Resources and support

My Aged Care has information on help and support for older Australians — phone 1800 200 422.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.