Seeing the whole picture
Many older adults live with more than one condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis or heart disease, and see more than one doctor. Each treatment can make sense on its own and still clash with another. A practice that looks at everything together can spot those clashes and keep your care pointed in one direction.
Care is led by Sadiq A. Syed, M.D., whose more than 30 years of practice span adult medicine, preventive care and chronic disease management.
Medication reviews
Older adults often take several medicines, sometimes from different doctors. Over time, one may no longer be needed, two may interact, or one that once suited you may now cause side effects. A medication review goes through everything you take, including vitamins and over-the-counter products, to check it all still makes sense. Please don’t stop or change a medicine on your own; bring them all and we’ll go through them together.
The Medicare Annual Wellness Visit
If you have Medicare, you may be eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit. It’s different from a physical exam. It focuses on a review of your health risks and medicines, a check on memory and thinking, and a personalized prevention plan. We accept traditional Medicare and a number of Medicare Advantage and Medicare–Medicaid plans; see which ones.
Falls and balance
A fall can change a lot for an older adult, and many falls can be prevented. Tell us if you’ve fallen, nearly fallen, feel unsteady or have started avoiding stairs. We’ll look at common causes, including medicines that cause dizziness, blood pressure that drops when you stand, eyesight, and strength and balance.
Memory concerns
Some forgetfulness comes with age. Changes that worry you or your family, such as getting lost in familiar places, repeating the same questions or struggling with bills or medicines, deserve a proper look. Some causes, such as medicine side effects or thyroid problems, can be treated, which is one more reason not to wait.
Bring someone along
Many patients bring a son, daughter or caregiver to visits, and a second set of ears helps. If you’d like us to be able to discuss your care with a family member, tell us at your visit.
Bring to your visit
- Every medicine you take, in its bottle, including vitamins and over-the-counter products
- A list of the other doctors you see
- Your Medicare card and any Medicare Advantage or supplemental plan card
- Recent hospital or specialist records, if you have them
- Glasses and hearing aids, if you use them
Common questions
What is a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit?
It’s a yearly Medicare visit focused on prevention: reviewing your health risks, medicines and memory, and building a personalized prevention plan. It isn’t the same as a full physical exam. Call us at (281) 984-4550 to ask about scheduling one.
Do you accept Medicare Advantage plans?
We accept traditional Medicare and several Medicare Advantage and Medicare–Medicaid plans. Check the full list, or call us with your plan name and we’ll confirm.
Can my son or daughter come to my appointments?
Yes. Many patients find it helpful to have family in the room. Tell us if you’d like us to be able to discuss your care with them.
I’ve had a fall but wasn’t hurt. Should I see a doctor?
Yes. A fall, even without injury, can point to something worth checking, such as a medicine side effect, low blood pressure on standing or weaker balance. If you hit your head, especially while taking a blood thinner, get emergency care.
