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SENIOR HEALTH

As baby boomers age, the number of seniors in America has increased and the trend is projected to continue. While there were only 33.9 million people over the age of 65 in 1996, by 2030, that number is expected to reach 69.4 million.

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The Center for Disease Control estimate that 88% of population over 65 have at least one chronic condition and many have multiple chronic conditions that they battle with on daily basis. The most frequently occurring conditions among the elderly are hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, mental illness and sinusitis.

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With such a large portion of the population facing old age, Americans are increasingly looking for ways to ease the process. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a gentle and safe option. TCM encompasses a variety of preventative techniques that help make the aging process easier and even slower. These include manual therapies, such as acupuncture and massage; Chinese herbal medicine; and exercises like tai chi and qi gong, whose gentle movements and low physical impact are ideal for the elderly.

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Each technique is based on the same principal of health, which has been used effectively in Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. According to TCM, there are 14 major pathways, called meridians, in the human body. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that these meridians conduct qi, or energy, between the surface of the body and internal organs. It is qi that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance.

When the flow of qi is disrupted through poor health habits, aging or other circumstances, pain and/or disease can result.

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Acupuncture, TCM medical massage, tui na, body alignments, tai chi, qi gong, herbs and other TCM modalities help to keep the normal flow of this energy unblocked.

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We treat every patient as an individual and working to balance the body, mind and spirit.

 

TCM can alleviate and prevent many of the health problems experienced by seniors, such as:

  • Depression

  • Arthritis

  • Memory loss

  • Pain

  • Muscle and joint stiffness

  • Heart problems

  • Diabetes

  • Osteoporosis

  • Insomnia

  • Bladder and kidney problems

  • Impotence

  • and many more.

How to Get Your VA Appointment with Dr. Corrente
 

Step-by-step

  1. See your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

    • Tell your PCP: “I’d like a referral to see Dr. Deborah Corrente (A Healthier You Wellness Center) as a new patient for acupuncture/integrative care.”

  2. PCP sends the referral

    • Ask your PCP to send the referral to the Miami VA (Community Care).

  3. Call the Miami VA after the referral is sent

    • Call the Miami VA community clinic and ask for an MSA (Medical Scheduling Assistant).

  4. Tell the MSA you have a referral to see Dr. Corrente

    • Say: “I have a referral on file to see Dr. Deborah Corrente.”

    • The MSA will search the system, confirm your authorization, and check appointment availability.

  5. Get scheduled

    • The MSA will schedule you directly for your first appointment.

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Quick phone script (copy this)

“Hi, my name is ________. My date of birth is ________. I have a referral from my PCP to see Dr. Deborah Corrente at A Healthier You Wellness Center through Community Care. Could I speak with an MSA to schedule, please?”

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Have this information ready when you call

  • Full name and DOB

  • Last 4 of SSN

  • Your referral/consult number (if you were given one)

  • The provider’s name: Dr. Deborah Corrente (A Healthier You Wellness Center)

  • Reason for visit: Acupuncture / Integrative Medicine

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Helpful tips

  • If the MSA can’t find your referral, call your PCP and ask them to confirm it was sent to Miami VA Community Care (include your DOB and last 4).

  • Ask the MSA:

    • How many visits are authorized?

    • Authorization dates (start/end)?

    • Who to call for rescheduling or no-shows.

  • Bring to your first visit:

    • Photo ID

    • Any VA authorization paperwork (if you received it)

    • List of medications/conditions

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If you hit a snag

  • Call your PCP office and ask them to “re-send or verify the Community Care referral to Miami VA.”

  • Ask the VA operator for Community Care / MSA or the Patient Advocate at the Miami VA.

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