Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take my insurance?
Integrative Geriatrics will bill Medicare, Medicaid, and any other supplemental insurance providers. We are currently are in the UCare, Medica, and HealthPartners insurance networks.
Do you work with a doctor?
Integrative Geriatrics is a nurse practitioner owned and operated practice. While we enjoy actively collaborating with other providers involved in our patients' care, we do not specifically contract with or employ a physician in our practice.
What is a POLST?
A POLST form is a legal document for people with an advanced progressive or terminal illnesses and specifies the type of care a person would like in an emergency medical situation. Your nurse practitioner will assist you in filling out a POLST for you or your family member in order to ensure your wishes are understood.
What is Medicare's chronic care management?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes Chronic Care Management (CCM) as a critical component of primary care that contributes to better health and care for individuals. The chronic care management services allow your nurse practitioner to closely follow conditions by providing oversight and education. In addition to office visits and other face-to-face encounters (billed separately), these services include communication with the patient and other treating health professionals for care coordination (both electronically and by phone), medication management, and being accessible 24 hours a day to patients and any care providers (physicians or other clinical staff).
Which hospital can my loved one go to?
We do not provide medical care while our patients are in the hospital. Just as we specialize in providing care in the long term care setting, hospitals employ hospitalists who specialize in delivering care in the acute care setting. We will, however, coordinate with the hospital team in order to ensure smooth transitions of care.
What is hospice/criteria for hospice?
Hospice offers supportive end of life services to patients who have a life expectancy of six months or less. Criteria for hospice is specific to each patient and individual disease processes. If you choose hospice care, your nurse practitioner will help determine when a referral is appropriate.