I'm sorry this question is so location-specific...but we are truly feeling desperate at this point. We are unable so far to find a good doctor for my mother, who is 82. She moved from out of state a few years ago. We have gone through a few doctors, but they all ignore or dismiss her continued requests for help with real medical issues. My mom is in the hospital right now because the doctors aren't listening to her. At times she's treated like an "old person" who must be confused...and she's not! Any leads on a good doctor would be so appreciated. Thanks for reading!
One thing that will be suggested is to find a geriatric doctor who specializes in the elderly. That doctor would be more inclined to help Mom.
Is there just one doctor in whom you have confidence who could recommend a geriatric specialist?
Could you provide more detail on the current hospitalization and how the doctors refused to listen to her? It might offer insight into doctors other than a geriatric specialist.
I found the few geriatric specialists we saw to be unsatisfactory. One was obsessed with recommending expensive solutions as opposed to just plain old natural solutions. I guess he forgot about the value of foods. Another was adamant that Dad should take Fosamax, despite its side effects.
I finally one who was tolerable, after asking Dad's podiatrist who she might recommend. She was a young, progressive and very helpful doctor, and her recommendations were good.
You might try that: if either of you have other specialists, ask them who they'd recommend.
You can also search for geriatric doctors, then review their credentials and profiles. I've found that older ones aren't as progressive as the younger ones. Some concerns to ask when you call for a potential appointment is how soon they could see a new patient. If it's more than a few weeks, I'd keep calling. When an older person needs help, it's often immediately, not in a few weeks.
Another consideration is whether or not the practice or any doctor is affiliated with a teaching hospital. I've found those doctors to be on the forefront of technology in their practice. But I've also found that doctors who teach more than they practice aren't always focused on the latter.