Frequently Asked Questions
Ever notice how certain questions just seem to come up again and again? Here we answer several of the most common new patient questions. Don’t see your question here? Feel free to contact us.
How do I find a doctor who works with seniors?
You are in the right place. Our physicians specialize in the needs of older adults and understand many of the issues you may be facing. Please call Senior Connection at 317-630-8790 or e-mail us. After a few questions to help us make sure you or your loved one would benefit from our services, we can schedule your appointment.
I don’t have a doctor; where do I start?
If you or your loved one is 65 or older, start here! Call us at 317-630-8790.
If you are not 65 or older, you still can benefit from other opportunities in Senior Care at Wishard, and stay connected to and educated on healthy aging. It is important to have a primary care doctor, so Wishard provides other options for primary care physicians. To inquire further, please call 317-655-2255.
What are the benefits of Senior Connection?
Senior Connection is a program within Senior Care at Wishard that helps you stay connected to what’s happening in Senior Care, Wishard and your community. Click here to learn about the program's benefits.
How do I become a member of Senior Connection?
If you are 55 or older and a Wishard patient, call 317-630-8790, e-mail us or stop by the Center for Senior Health on the fourth floor of the Regenstrief building at Wishard so we can gather your information. We also will send you a free new member packet, which provides useful information on the programs and services provided within Senior Care at Wishard.
What is the Healthy Aging Brain Center (HABC)?
The Healthy Aging Brain Center offers a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s memory complaints while also providing individualized support to the caregiver. In addition, due to its close relationship with IU Center for Aging Research, HABC offers cutting edge treatment for memory disorders and also opportunities for participation in research trials to interested patients and families.
What can I expect from an HABC appointment?
During your first visit, we perform a complete evaluation, including MRI, medication review and a social history. We then develop a personal treatment plan that includes medications and activities to improve your daily life. Also, we work with your family or caregiver and primary care doctor, to help them better understand your condition in order to provide the best care possible.
Will a doctor to come to my house?
Senior Care’s House Calls program provides primary medical care for homebound older adults by a geriatrician, nurse practitioner and social worker. They offer medical care, social services and care management in the home to seniors who cannot access services at the Wishard Memorial Hospital due to physical and/or psychiatric disabilities. Your current doctor can refer you or your loved one to the program. For more information, please call 317-630-8790 or e-mail us.
Do I have to be a Wishard patient to come to the IU Center for Senior Health (CSH)?
No. We welcome all patients who meet our age criteria. We accept Wishard Advantage, traditional Medicare and Medicaid and most commercial insurance plans. If you have questions regarding your insurance coverage, please contact your insurance provider. We also accept patients from not only Marion County but other counties and states as well.
What happens at a geriatric consult appointment?
The appointment is very comprehensive, as we want to fully understand your needs. Please plan to be at the IU Center for Senior Health for approximately three hours for your initial consultation. You will be seen by a team of a geriatricians, nurses and social workers. The exam includes, but is not limited to, an inventory of medications (prescribed and over-the-counter), nutritional status, functional abilities, emotional and physical coping mechanisms and memory capacity. The care is focused on optimizing your functional status and independence. Further testing and screening apart from this visit may be recommended.
Do I have to switch doctors to be seen by a geriatrician?
No. In our consult clinic, after the team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, the final results are discussed and recommendations are given to the patient and family in a follow-up visit. These recommendations are also provided to your primary care doctor in written form. Thereafter, the geriatrician co-manages your geriatric issues with your primary care doctor for as long as is needed.
Do you have any other services in the IU Center for Senior Health?
Yes. We also offer neurology, podiatry, rehabilitation medicine, geriatric psychiatry, mental health counseling, palliative care and neuropsychological testing.
Do you accept Wishard Advantage?
Yes. We accept Wishard Advantage, traditional Medicare and Medicaid and most commercial payer sources. We know that each individual has different financial concerns; that’s why Senior Care at Wishard provides a social worker to speak with you by phone prior to your first visit to thoroughly evaluate your situation.
Where are you located?
The IU Center for Senior Health and the Senior Connection office are both located on the fourth floor of 1050 Wishard Blvd in the Regenstrief Building. There are reserved parking spots for our patients on the ground floor of the Wishard parking garage and on the side street next to the Regenstrief Building.
What are your hours?
The office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, doctors may have their own individual schedules. No appointments are scheduled after 4 p.m., or on Saturdays, Sundays or major holidays.