Geriatric Assessment Clinic

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Geriatrics Assessment Clinic has specially trained physicians and health care professionals who provide older persons with a comprehensive medical
and psychosocial evaluation. 

Why come to the clinic?
Who staffs the Geriatric Assessment Clinic?
What should I bring to the assessment?
What happens/how long is this appointment?
Does insurance pay for this appointment?
Follow-up
Location
To schedule an appointment
For Veterans

Why come to the Clinic?

The Geriatrics Assessment Clinic provides both consultations and ongoing care to older persons. People come to the clinic for many reasons including:

• Complicated medical or social concerns that would benefit from a
  multidisciplinary team approach

• Seeking a second opinion

• Looking for a physician who specializes in geriatrics

• Feeling concerned about an older loved ones mood, memory,
  challenging behaviors, or difficulties at home. 

 

Who staffs the Geriatrics Assessment Clinic?

Four experienced geriatricians staff the Geriatrics Assessment Clinic.  John Rachow, M.D., PhD. and Margo Schilling, M.D. are from the Department of Internal Medicine.  Gerald Jogerst, M.D. and Rick Dobyns, M.D. are from the Department of Family Medicine. All are University of Iowa College of Medicine faculty who hold Certificates of Added Qualifications in Geriatrics.

Gretchen Schmuch ACSW, LISW is the team’s medical social worker. Sherry McKay, ARNP, provides nursing expertise.   Pharmacists Beth Phillips, PharmD., and Mike Ernst, PharmD., specialize in medications and the elderly. Nancy Cogan, M.A., provides chaplain services.  Other health care providers may be involved. Referrals to other University and community specialists who work with the team are made, as needed. 

 

What to bring to an assessment.

Because a lot of information is gathered and shared at an appointment, it is often helpful to bring along a family member, caregiver or friend. If possible, bring a copy of medical records and medications for the team to review. The business office also asks to see any insurance cards.

What happens at an appointment?

The initial assessment usually takes three to four hours. Patients spend most of the appointment in a clinic examination room while members of the assessment team meet with each patient and caregiver. The team asks a lot of questions and uses evaluation tools for a comprehensive assessment of the following:

• Specific patient or caregiver concerns

• Health history

• Medications

• Diet

• Social support and resources

• Memory

• Mood

• Daily functioning

Patients receive a thorough physical examination. The assessment team then suggests treatments, medication, nutrition, activities and resources to meet each person’s unique needs. Laboratory tests or other procedures may be recommended. The team also helps patients and caregivers plan for the future by offering preventive health and wellness measures, health education, information about support services, and long term care.

 

Does insurance pay for the geriatrics assessment?

The cost is typically covered by Medicare and a supplemental insurance, or by Medicaid. 

Is there any follow-up?

Some patients come to the Geriatrics Assessment Clinic for a single consultation
and others come back for follow-up visits or continuing care. The assessment clinic provides patients and their local physicians with a written report when the assessment is complete, and at any follow-up appointment in the clinic. Team members are only a phone call away when additional needs or questions arise. 

Where is the Geriatrics Assessment Clinic?

The clinic is located in the Lower Level (LL) of the Family Care Center in the Pomerantz Family Pavilion, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics [UIHC.]  Free parking is available in Ramp IV next to the Family Care Center, located on South Melrose Avenue.   Please click again on this (map) for street details of the hospital areas.  Wheelchair assistance is available.

How does someone make an appointment?

The clinic is open Monday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday  from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.  A referring physician may make an appointment or patients and caregivers may call the clinic directly at (319) 384-7999. Appointments can usually be scheduled within two weeks. For additional information about the clinic, or if you’d like to talk to a geriatrics nurse or social worker about your situation, please call Gretchen Schmuch, LISW, at (319) 384-7560 or Sherry McKay, ARNP, at (319) 356-3796.

Is there a geriatric clinic for patients who receive services at the Veteran’s Hospital?

The VA Medical Center in Iowa City also operates a Geriatric Clinic staffed by  Paul Mulhausen, M.D., nurse practitioner Julie Patten, social worker Pat Differding, and a clinical pharmacist.   Dr. Mulhausen is an internist with a certificate of Added Qualifications in Geriatrics.  For more information about this clinic please call Julie Patten at 1-800-637-0128 ext. 6089.