Geriatric Medicine is a subspecialty of Internal Medicine that provides specialized care to elderly patients.

Specialty Areas

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment

This assessment is performed to determine the patient’s overall condition and treatment needs. It includes a functional assessment including the identification of areas of functional impairment as well as physical, emotional, and psychosocial assessments.

Dementia

Dementia is evidenced by forgetfulness and memory loss. It is often caused by a disease but is not a normal part of the aging process. Some diseases that are related to dementia include Rapidly Progressive Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontal Temporal Dementia.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary Incontinence is not a normal part of the aging process. It is a usually treatable, often curable condition. Geriatric Specialists are able to treat this condition without referring the patient to a Urologist.

End-of-Life Care Issues

An Advance Directive is a written document such as a Health Care Proxy or Living Will completed by a competent adult. It must be completed while you are able to express your choices about your future medical care. It will serve to direct your medical care if, in the future, you are no longer able to make your own decisions. You will name your Health Care Agent on the Health Care Proxy Form; this is a person who will be legally authorized to handle all medical choices for you as they arise. No one can serve as your Health Care Agent unless you formally appoint him or her by filling out a Health Care Proxy Form while you are fully competent. The booklet, Planning Ahead: How to Use Advance Directives for Your Health Care Choices, can be obtained in the Admitting, Patient and Community Relations, and Social Work Departments, or from the Nursing staff on our inpatient units. This booklet includes a New York State Health Care Proxy Form and detailed information about how to appoint a Health Care Agent.

Board-Certified Geriatric Specialists affiliated with Plainview Hospital:

Waled H. Chowdhury, MD
Bethpage
516-731-5070

Jeffrey Goodman, MD
Plainview
516-681-0888

Vinod Gulati, MD
Amityville
631-789-2020

Robert Schoenfeld, MD
Plainview
516-822-2541