Seeing a primary care provider regularly at age 55 and older is the best way to avoid serious medical problems and maintain the highest quality of life possible. At Golden Oak Medicine in Asheville, North Carolina, Kate Marshall, MD, Golnosh Sharafsaleh, MD, MS, AGSF, FAAFP, and their highly trained team offer comprehensive primary care services for older adults. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

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What is primary care?

Primary care at Golden Oak Medicine includes the evaluation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, if needed, of common conditions affecting adults ages 55 and older. Geriatric specialists care for patients at risk of chronic diseases, illnesses, dementia, or other mental health challenges.

Geriatric primary care providers diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Heart cholesterol
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Illnesses
  • Dementia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis
  • Hormone fluctuations
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Other mental health conditions

Golden Oak Medicine offers executive annual physical examinations, sick visits, Medicare wellness visits, on-site blood work, and more. They personalize each treatment to best match your needs.

What happens during primary care visits?

When you arrive at Golden Oak Medicine for a primary care appointment, friendly staff members greet you and check your body weight, pulse, temperature, blood pressure, and other vital signs if needed.

Your physician discusses your medical history, lifestyle, and any symptoms you may have. They complete a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate your throat, eyes, vision, ears, hearing, breathing, heartbeat, reflexes, and more to assess overall health and wellness.

Your geriatric specialist may complete a psychiatric assessment to detect or rule out dementia, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges you or a loved one may encounter. They could order nasal or throat swabs, blood tests, urine testing, heart function tests, X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or other imaging procedures, depending on your needs and situation.

Which treatments might I need?

To help you maintain exceptional health or treat medical problems, the team at Golden Oak Medicine could suggest one or more of the following treatments:

  • Vaccinations
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Medications
  • Dietary supplements
  • Therapies
  • Specialist referrals

Your Golden Oak Medicine specialist can refer you to a highly trained specialist, if needed, for severe or complex medical problems. They have your best interest at heart and monitor your health periodically to ensure the best outcome.

When should I schedule primary care appointments?

Book a primary care appointment with Golden Oak Medicine any time you experience new or unusual symptoms of an illness, disease, or other medical concern. If you’re otherwise in good health, schedule primary care appointments every year.

To book your next primary care visit at Golden Oak Medicine, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.