Mehiläinen Helsinki Töölö · general practice appointment
In a multimorbid patient, an acute symptom is rarely isolated.
My clinical work in physician roles began part-time in 2010. After graduating as a licensed physician in 2012, I have done long-term geriatric-oriented medical work with older, multimorbid, home-care and home-hospital patients in several clinical settings, including Doctagon, Stella, Pihlajalinna and Mehiläinen. That background has trained me to interpret a new symptom in relation to function, medication, underlying disease and the patient’s ability to manage at home. This often matters even in a short appointment.
Allow enough time: a broad review of medication, function and several symptoms does not fit a standard short appointment. Choose a longer appointment where possible and bring an up-to-date medication list plus the most relevant previous test results and care summaries.
Care route
When should I book, call 116117 or call 112?
Book an appointment if
- the situation is stable but symptoms, medication, function and chronic diseases need to be reviewed together
- you need prioritisation and a concrete plan
- the problem does not appear to be an emergency
Call 116117 if
- an older person develops acute confusion, a fall with functional decline, feverish deterioration or suspected dehydration
- there is chest pain, shortness of breath, one-sided neurological symptoms, or medication change with clear deterioration
- coping at home deteriorates suddenly
Call 112 if
- there is chest pain, severe shortness of breath, impaired consciousness, stroke-like symptoms or another emergency
- general condition deteriorates rapidly or the person cannot stay awake
- bleeding, pain or injury feels immediately life-threatening or function-threatening
This is not an emergency department. At the appointment the aim is to examine the situation and decide the next sensible step: self-care, medication, a minor procedure, tests or referral.
Booking
When is this the right appointment?
- a new symptom or change in condition in an older patient
- a multimorbid patient where the cause is not obvious
- the relationship between medication, function, chronic disease and symptoms
- situations requiring a realistic and understandable care plan
- 112 Finland: when to call the emergency number
- Medical Helpline 116117
During the visit
What is assessed during the visit?
- what is new and what may be explained by existing disease
- possible medication contribution
- a sensible level of tests and further assessment
- what needs to be done now and what can be monitored
Aim
Purpose of the appointment
For older and multimorbid patients, a symptom cannot be assessed separately from function, medication and chronic disease. The aim is to separate a new problem from the background situation and make a plan that is medically sound and practical.
Related pages