Pittsburgh has several large healthcare systems. Most notable is the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). It has 35 facilities throughout western PA and nearby Ohio. Ranked #1 in the area is UPMC’s Presbyterian Shadyside. UPMC also has a cancer center and a children’s hospital.
Other hospital systems in greater Pittsburgh include Allegheny Health and Heritage. Veterans in the Steel City can get care at VA Pittsburgh Healthcare system. Birmingham Care, a free clinic, provides primary and specialty care for underserved populations.
UPMC is Pittsburgh’s top-rated healthcare system. All its facilities combined rank nationally in nine adult specialties, including:
The Western Psychiatric Institute is UPMC’s leading behavioral health hospital. It offers inpatient and outpatient care for behavioral health services.
A geriatrician is a primary care physician who cares for older adults, especially people 65 and older. Geriatricians have the additional training and experience needed to care for older adults, who often begin to experience more complex health issues as they age.
What conditions do geriatricians treat?
There are many conditions that geriatricians treat in older adults, including:
What procedures do geriatricians perform?
There are five areas geriatricians use to categorize an older adult’s care, including:
Some of the most common procedures geriatricians perform include:
When should I go to a geriatrician?
The age at which you start seeing a geriatrician depends on many factors, including your lifestyle, chronic conditions, medications, and more.
You may want to visit a geriatrician if you:
What can I expect from my first geriatrician appointment?
Your first appointment with a geriatrician will be similar to starting a new relationship with a primary care physician. Expect your doctor to ask about your medical history, medications you take, conditions you’re living with, or any symptoms you’re experiencing.
Your geriatrician will also conduct a physical exam, may recommend blood work or other diagnostic tests, and will likely provide counsel about lifestyle changes you can make to improve your quality of life.
What questions should I ask my geriatrician?
It’s important that you prepare for your appointment with a geriatrician. To help you get started, we’ve created a list of good questions to ask your doctor:
You can use these questions as a starting point, but feel free to add your own. A good practice is to also ask for additional information and take notes during your appointment.
