Comprehensive Geriatric Care

Comprehensive Geriatric Care provides in-home medical care for elderly people in New York City. Homebound means that leaving the home requires a considerable and taxing effort such as the need of equipment or the assistance of another person to get to a doctor's appointment. 

My goal is to develop a long-term relationship with my patients and their caregivers and assume ongoing responsibility for treatment of their chronic medical conditions, coordinated care with others and prevent emergency room visits and hospitalization.

Primary care

For most patients, I assume the role of primary care physician. This includes disease prevention, health maintenance, education, counseling, diagnosis and treatment of many acute illnesses, and management of chronic illnesses. The tools I use are physical examination with laboratory and other tests as required. Chronic illnesses common to the homebound are the late effects of stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, arthritis, late effect of fractures, pressure ulcers, frailty, and cancer.

Palliative care

I provide palliative care as an integrated part of the continuum of primary care with the goal of improving quality of life for those with chronic disease or for people who are living beyond the limits of predicted life expectancy.

Urgent care

I provide same day and next day visits for many acute conditions which would otherwise result in an emergency room visit. This works best in the context of an ongoing established doctor-patient relationship. Comprehensive Geriatric Care cannot initiate care at the time of a health emergency, nor can treatment be given for conditions such as broken bones or massive bleeding. 

Vaccines 

I provide vaccines as a part of disease prevention and health maintenance. The influenza and pneumococcal vaccines prevent hospitalization and suffering.

Diagnostic testing

I can coordinate laboratory analysis of blood and urine and many types of radiology in the home. Diagnostic testing can help make a more accurate diagnosis and find treatable conditions such as B12 deficiency or hypothyroidism which, when treated, can improve quality of life. Diagnostic testing may be needed for monitoring the effects of medication. 

Wound care

I have extensive experience and a special area of interest in management pressure ulcers in the hospital, nursing home and for those at home.

Coordination of care

By providing effective, timely communication with the caregivers in the home, family members, other physicians and visiting nurses, I can achieve optimal care for the homebound. Care coordination may also include referrals to sources of legal, life-enhancement or other services which promote quality of life.

Forms and Paperwork

When necessary, I will completion forms for disability and home care certification or create spreadsheets for medication and vital sign monitoring.