SPECIALTY IPC

A family medicine physician with special knowledge of the aging process and special skills in the diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive and rehabilitative aspects of illness in the elderly. This specialist cares for geriatric patients in the patient's home, the office, long-term care settings such as nursing homes, and the hospital.

An internal medicine physician with special knowledge and skills to prevent and relieve the suffering experienced by patients with life-limiting illnesses. This specialist works with an interdisciplinary hospice or palliative care team to maximize quality of life while addressing physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of both patient and family throughout the course of the disease, through the dying process, and beyond for the family. This specialist has expertise in the assessment of patients with advanced disease; the relief of distressing symptoms; the coordination of interdisciplinary patient and family-centered care in diverse venues; the use of specialized care systems including hospice; the management of the imminently dying patient; and legal and ethical decision making in end-of-life care.

A physician who specializes in the treatment of the whole person through prevention and treatment based on medical evidence. Integrative medicine considers all factors that influence health, wellness, and disease - including mind, body, and spirit. Conventional and alternative methods are used to facilitate the body's innate healing response. Appropriate consideration is given to use of less-invasive and less-harmful interventions, when possible. It also incorporates all appropriate therapeutic approaches, health care modalities, and disciplines to achieve optimal health and healing.

Source: NUCC, CMS