Geriatric Medicine.
Geriatrician consultations at Excelsia across Earlwood, Bangor and Sans Souci. Comprehensive assessment for older adults with cognitive concerns, functional decline, falls, polypharmacy, or multiple health conditions that benefit from a coordinated review.
A broad view of health in later life.
Geriatric Medicine is the medical specialty focused on the health of older adults, particularly those with multiple health conditions, medications, or functional and cognitive concerns. A geriatric assessment takes a broad view of your health, not just the specific issue that led to referral. Cognitive change, mobility, medication complexity, nutrition, mood and social circumstances all shape health in later life.
Many older adults benefit from a geriatric assessment at least once, particularly when multiple things are going on or when there's been a change (a hospital admission, a fall, cognitive concerns, unexplained decline). The assessment often leads to a clearer plan and, in many cases, simpler medication.
Care is coordinated with your GP. Your GP identifies the concern, prepares a referral, and continues general care while the geriatrician advises on the broader picture.
Common reasons GPs refer.
A broad and unhurried review.
It often helps if a family member or carer attends the consultation, particularly where cognitive or memory concerns are part of the reason for referral.
Bring your GP referral, any recent hospital discharge summaries, test results, imaging, a complete list of your current medications (including over-the-counter and supplements), and any information about your usual level of function.
- A detailed history from you and, where relevant, a family member.
- A clinical examination.
- Cognitive assessment where relevant.
- Functional assessment.
- Review of medications with a view to simplifying where possible.
- A management plan that may include further investigation, medication changes, allied health input, and follow-up.
Across all three centres.
Assessments bulk-billed.
Your first two appointments under a new referral — the comprehensive geriatric assessment and its review — are bulk-billed (with most Geriatricians), with no out-of-pocket cost. Subsequent consultations after those two are privately billed, and a GP referral is required for the Medicare rebate to apply; without a valid referral, the consultation is fully private. A new referral after 12 months renews the two bulk-billed assessment appointments.
Reception confirms the specific fee and expected out-of-pocket cost when you book. See the Excelsia Specialists Centre fee page for the full breakdown.
Common questions.
Do I need to see a GP first?
Yes. A GP referral is required for the Medicare rebate to apply.
Should a family member come with me?
It often helps, particularly where cognitive concerns are part of the reason for referral. Your geriatrician appreciates hearing from someone who knows you well.
What should I bring?
Your GP referral, all recent hospital discharge summaries, test results and imaging, and a complete list of your current medications including over-the-counter items and supplements.
Will the geriatrician coordinate with my GP?
Yes. After each consultation, your geriatrician sends a letter back to your GP with the assessment and plan. Your GP remains your central point of care.
Is one consultation enough?
For some patients, yes. For others, particularly where cognitive change or complex chronic disease is being managed, ongoing specialist review is helpful.
Which specialist should I see?
Your GP will match you to the geriatrician most appropriate for your situation and the centre closest to you.
