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How To Choose A Primary Care Doctor

August 23, 2023

Choosing a primary care doctor can be a daunting task, especially if you're not sure what to look for. A primary care doctor is the first point of contact for your healthcare needs, so it's important to choose one that you trust and feel comfortable with. For elderly people, choosing a primary care doctor can be even more challenging, as there may be specific health concerns that need to be addressed. In this blog, we'll explore some tips and factors to consider when choosing a primary care doctor.



1. Ask for Recommendations:

The first step in finding a primary care doctor is to ask for recommendations from family, friends, and other healthcare professionals. If you have medicare, they have a tool called "Physician Compare" that shows you physicians that accept Medicare and compare them based on their care. You can also ask your insurance provider for a list of doctors that are covered under your plan. Once you have some names, you can research them to find out their credentials, specialties, and experience.


2. Consider Convenience:

When choosing a primary care doctor, you'll want to consider their location, hours of operation, and availability. Some doctors may work weekends or evenings, which can be helpful if you have a busy schedule. It's also important to consider the commute time to the doctor's office, as well as whether they have wheelchair access or other accommodations you may need.


3. Look for Experience:

When evaluating potential primary care doctors, you'll want to consider their experience and expertise. Look for doctors who are board-certified in internal medicine or family medicine, as they have completed training specifically in primary care. You may also want to check their patient satisfaction scores and reviews to ensure that they have provided excellent care to their patients in the past.


4. Consider Your Special Healthcare Needs:

For elderly people, there may be special healthcare needs to consider when choosing a primary care doctor, such as chronic illnesses. You'll want to find a doctor who is knowledgeable about these conditions and has experience managing them. Additionally, you'll want to consider their ability to coordinate care with other specialists or healthcare providers you may be seeing.


5. Schedule a Consultation:

Before making a decision, consider scheduling a consultation with the primary care doctor to see if they're a good fit for you. During the consultation, you can discuss your healthcare needs and concerns and ask any questions you may have. This can help you determine whether you feel comfortable and confident with the doctor's approach to your care.


Choosing a primary care doctor is an important decision, especially for elderly people. By asking for recommendations, considering convenience and experience, assessing special healthcare needs, and scheduling a consultation, you can find a doctor that you trust and feel comfortable with. At Bluegrass Internal Medicine, we understand the importance of choosing the right doctor for your healthcare needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve your health goals.

The Benefits Of A Chronic Care Program

August 23, 2023
As we age, our bodies face numerous health challenges that need to be addressed promptly. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease require constant monitoring and management to avoid complications. Unfortunately, most seniors find it challenging to keep track of their symptoms, medications, and doctor’s appointments. With this in mind, Bluegrass Internal Medicine has developed a Chronic Care Program to help seniors manage their health better. In this blog post, we’ll outline the benefits of a chronic care program, including improved health outcomes, reduced hospitalizations, and better quality of life.  1. Comprehensive Care Our Chronic Care Program provides seniors with comprehensive care by integrating primary care services with disease management and preventive care. Our team of healthcare professionals works together to address all aspects of your health, including physical, emotional, and social needs. We focus on preventing and managing chronic health conditions to help you live a healthy and active life. 2. Regular Monitoring Managing chronic illnesses requires constant monitoring of your symptoms, medications, and lab tests. Our chronic care program offers regular check-ups to ensure you receive the best possible care. We work with you to develop an individualized care plan that addresses your unique healthcare needs. Our team will monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed to ensure you achieve your health goals. 3. Improved Health Outcomes Studies have shown that seniors who receive comprehensive care through a chronic care program experience improved health outcomes. They have lower rates of hospitalization, reduced healthcare costs, and improved quality of life. With our Chronic Care Program, you can expect to receive timely and effective care that helps you manage your chronic health conditions. Our goal is to help you live a healthier and happier life. 4. Better Communication Good communication is essential when it comes to managing chronic health conditions. Our chronic care program ensures that you receive clear and concise information about your health and care plan. We encourage open communication between patients and healthcare providers to ensure your questions are answered, and you have a good understanding of your health. Through our program, we also offer communication and coordination with other healthcare providers that you may interact with. 5. Personalized Support At Bluegrass Internal Medicine, we understand that each patient has unique healthcare needs. That’s why our team provides individualized support to help you achieve your health goals. We work with you to provide personalized care that addresses your physical, emotional, and social needs. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible healthcare experience. In conclusion, our Chronic Care Program offers significant benefits to seniors who are managing chronic health conditions. By providing comprehensive care, regular monitoring, improved health outcomes, better communication, and personalized support, we can help you live a healthier and happier life. If you’re interested in learning more about our Chronic Care Program, please contact us today. We look forward to helping you achieve your health goals.

Tips For Avoiding The Flu

August 23, 2023
As we age, our immune system becomes weak and more susceptible to infections. Therefore, it is essential for elderly people to take extra precautions to protect themselves from flu. With flu season just around the corner, it's the perfect time to bolster flu defenses. In this blog post, we will provide tips for elderly people to avoid the flu. 1. Get Vaccinated: The first and the most important thing elderly people need to do to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated. The flu vaccine is specifically designed to protect against the strains of the virus that are expected to be prevalent in the coming season. Elderly people are more vulnerable to flu-related complications, so getting vaccinated is crucial. 2. Boost Immune System: A healthy immune system is vital to fighting off the flu. Elderly people can boost their immune system by eating a balanced diet, including plenty of Vitamin C and D, getting sufficient sleep, and exercising regularly. Additionally, supplements such as echinacea, zinc, and probiotics may help in boosting the immune system. 3. Practice Good Hygiene: One of the most common ways the flu spreads is through saliva and mucus droplets, which travel through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Elderly people should practice good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding touching their face, and using a tissue or sleeve to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. 4. Stay Away From Sick People: Elderly people should avoid close contact with sick people. If a family member or a loved one is sick, it's best to stay away until they have completely recovered. Similarly, elderly individuals should avoid crowded areas such as malls, theatres, or public transportation, especially during flu season. 5. Maintain a Clean Environment: Keeping a clean environment is essential to avoiding the flu. Elderly people should clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles, phones, and remote controls. Additionally, using an air purifier can help in reducing airborne flu particles. Flu can be serious for anyone, but elderly people are at a higher risk of developing complications leading to hospitalization or even death. Therefore, following the above tips is crucial for elderly people to stay healthy during flu season. Remember, flu prevention is better than cure. By getting vaccinated, boosting the immune system, practicing good hygiene, staying away from sick people, and maintaining a clean environment, elderly people can significantly reduce their chances of getting the flu. Stay safe!
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