Older
Adult Assessment Program
The Staff
Ellen F. Binder, M.D. |
Stanley J. Birge, M.D. |
Bridget Blaes, R.N. |
Older Adult Assessment Program
Storz Building
4570 Children’s Place
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 286-2700
The later years can be an active and satisfying time of
life. Sometimes, however, older adults face complex health or social problems.
The Older Adult Assessment Program at Washington University offers a team
of professionals - geriatricians and nurses - who provide comprehensive
assessments and recommendations to older adults and their families to
help manage and overcome these obstacles.
The Washington University Geriatric Program has consistently
been ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News and World Report.
We can help if you need answers to your
questions and concerns.
We can help if you or a family member is
at least 60 years old and has complex problems.
Some of the problems and concerns we commonly evaluate
are:
- memory loss and confusion
- depression and anxiety
- osteoporosis and falls
- medication problems and side effects
- poor appetite and weight loss
- decreased ability to perform daily activities
- concerns about current living situation
How Does the
Program Work?
Step One
The consultation includes a complete evaluation of your current health
to devise a plan of care. You and your family meet with our geriatric
experts at the Storz Building.
The evaluation has three major parts:
- The Medical Assessment includes a complete history and
physical examination. Your complete medical history provided by your
family physician will be reviewed.
- The Functional Assessment explores your ability to function
independently and the potential for additional services. Objective,
standardized tests are used and include memory screening.
- A Mental, Emotional and Social Assessment is completed
to explore your feelings and mood, living situation, level of activity
or caregiving issues.
Step Two
A list of problems and suggested recommendations is compiled. The staff
then provides a Family Conference to review and explain the findings of
the evaluation. A written summary with the appropriate resources and referrals
is given to you and your primary physician. (Back to top
of page)
How Does the Program
Collaborate With the Primary Care Physician?
Your family physician is the best source of ongoing care. A complete summary
of our assessment and recommendations is sent to your primary doctor who
will help individualize your plan of care. Your doctor will continue to
provide care, but we are available for continued consultation. We can
assist with the management of certain problems such as memory loss, depression,
difficulty in performing daily activities, and behavorial disturbances
resulting from problems. (Back to top of page)
Does Insurance
Cover the Cost?
Medicare and major insurance companies generally cover most of the charges
associated with the assessment. We accept Medicare Assignment. You should
confirm specific coverage with your insurance carrier. (Back
to top of page)
How Do I Make an Appointment?
For questions, or to make an appointment with
the Older Adult Assessment Program, call 314.286.2700 (Back
to top of page)
Location
The Older Adult Assessment Program at Washington University,
located in the Storz Building at 4570 Children’s Place. There is
parking in the parking garage on the corner of CHildren's Place and Taylor
(entrance on CHildren's Place). There is handicap parking in the front
of the Storz Building. (Back to top of page)
Department of Medicine
Division of Geriatrics & Nutritional Sciences
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