Navigating the HealthCare System can be Confusing

We all have occasional aches and pains but when problems persist or interfere with daily life, it is time to consult a doctor. The question often is “who should you see?” For answers, Medical experts weigh-in on a recently published article from The U.S. News & World Report.  

Before you begin, start with understanding the role of your primary care physician and his/her expertise. Primary care physicians are typically internal medicine doctors, family medicine doctors or pediatricians. Internal medicine doctors, also called internists, handle common and complex illnesses in adults and older adults. Family doctors care for people of all ages from birth to end of life, and pediatricians specialize in the care of children. 

Experts say when you schedule a visit to your primary care doctor; they can help decide whether you need the expertise of a medical specialist. Dr. David Cutler, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, explains upwards of 95% of cases can be taken care of with good primary care and the referral is the exception. 

The exceptions for the services of a medical specialist include when the patient’s chronic disease requires a special test such as a colonoscopy, stress test or an Upper GI Series test. If results show a need for treatment, the specialist may take over. Another reason a specialist is used is when the patient’s symptoms are eluding their primary care doctor; or the patient wishes for a second opinion.  

At MorningStar of Littleton senior living community, our unique mission statement “to honor, to value, to invest,” sets us apart. Our location is convenient to downtown and its shops and restaurants, and close to health facilities such as St. Anthony Hospital & Swedish Medical Center. Please contact us to learn more about the most trusted assisted living and Alzheimer’s care the area offers. 

Source:

health.usnews.com/health-news/best-hospitals/articles/types-of-doctors-and-medical-specialists?

How MCI is Diagnosed

Studies report approximately 12-18% of people aged 60 or older have some level of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). So how do you know if you are one of them? The first step to diagnosing MCI typically comes after a person starts to complain of forgetfulness or cognitive problems, or initiated at the urging of family members. Doctors explain it is usually more serious if it comes at the request of those closest to the person because as a person develops more of the signs of Alzheimer’s they often are not aware of their memory loss. 

Your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation to try and determine if the problem is MCI, Alzheimer’s or normal age-related memory loss, or caused by another factor. It is important to note not all cases of MCI develop into dementia and an evaluation could identify medications as the problem. A Harvard Medical School article states, “Establishing the cause and scope of the impairment is helpful in setting a baseline for future evaluations to determine if the condition is progressing to dementia.” 

Some of the preliminary tests include a complete blood workup to rule out anemia, infection, kidney and liver disorders, or diabetes. Other tests may check for thyroid abnormalities, elevated blood calcium and vitamin B12 deficiencies. 

Cognitive tests begin with an in-depth medical history as well as questions regarding the person’s memory lapses and other thinking problems. Your physician will probably request a family member be there to reaffirm and document the changes. Experts say quickly progressing memory problems are most likely another issue as true dementia progresses pretty slowly. 

Your physician may refer you to a neuropsychologist for more tests including paper and pen and computer tests to assess memory, language and other cognitive skills including motor and visual function. If deemed necessary, they may do structural and functional brain scans or an amyloid PET scan, which detects in a living brain signs of amyloid plaques, the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.  

At MorningStar at Golden Ridge, we offer 38 Casitas (quadruplexes with attached garages) for independent living and another 65 suites for assisted living. Our Reflections’ wing provides 35 secure suites devoted to the individualized care of those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Please visit our website to learn more about trusted seniors living in Peoria, AZ.