What is Integrative Geriatric Consultations?
As the longevity of our society increases, the number of patients over 65 looking for comprehensive geriatric care is rising quickly. Unfortunately, the number of geriatricians in the U.S. has not been keeping up with the demand for their services.
Integrative Geriatric Medicine is a comprehensive approach to healthcare for older adults that enhances conventional geriatric care with complementary and alternative treatments. It addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual aspects of aging while prioritizing one of the biggest challenges in older adult healthcare: overmedication. Through deprescribing – the strategic safe reduction of medications – this approach helps avoid the cumulative side effects of polypharmacy. Integrative Geriatric Medicine offers highly personalized care to support the body’s natural healing processes and prolong healthy years of life.
About Dr. Kogan, MD
Our Integrative Medicine physician, Mikhail Kogan, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer of GWCIM. Dr. Kogan is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the GWU Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Care. He also serves as an Associate Director of the Integrative Medicine Fellowship at GWU School of Medicine. Dr. Kogan was trained and board-certified in both Integrative Medicine and Geriatrics.
Dr. Kogan full CVThroughout his training and career, Dr. Kogan has pursued a broad understanding of medicine, integrating knowledge from diverse traditions and cultures. He is trained in martial arts, Qi Gong, meditation, and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, reflecting his commitment to holistic healing modalities.
Dr. Mikhail Kogan is the editor and author of the “Integrative Geriatric Medicine” textbook, published by Oxford University Press in 2017. This definitive textbook in Dr. Andrew Weil‘s series offers a comprehensive exploration of integrative approaches to promoting health and well-being in older adults. Several GWCIM practitioners had contributed to this book. Dr. Kogan is a recognized world expert in the use of medical cannabis for geriatric patients and the author of “Medical Marijuana: Dr. Kogan’s Evidence-Based Guide to the Health Benefits of Cannabis and CBD”.
GW Center for Integrative Medicine approach
We offer consultations focused on integrative medicine approaches that extend beyond conventional Medicare geriatric services. These services are designed to complement – not replace – your primary care covered under Medicare insurance.
Our specialists recommend and prescribe:
- functional medicine assessments
- specific diets recomendations
- supplements and herbals
- appropriate exercise guidance
- modalities such as acupuncture, massage, reiki and many others
- Intravenous Therapy and vitamin and supplements injections
- Medical cannabis consultations and coaching
- lifestyle and routine adjustments
- mental health support and mindfulness
- cognitive assessments
- ReCODE™ program and support groups
GW Center for Integrative Medicine team will provide you with generous time and thorough attention during your visits to fully understand your health, current care, and individual needs.
Reducing side-effects of medications
Through years of experience we have found that often we are able to decrease or eliminate the dependency on medications and thus substantially minimize the risk of side effects. Side effects of multiple medications, especially pain-killers, is one of the largest concerns for geriatric population.
Cognition Care
Dr. Kogan and his team at GWCIM offer most of the ReCODE program (The Dr. Bredesen protocol™ and the ReCODE Protocol™ ) for Alzheimer treatment via TeleHealth and in person to new and existing patients. Visit our ReCODE page to learn more about cognitive decline reversal and Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Cognitive testing results determine which patients would benefit by the ReCODE program. Patients enroll in the ReCODE program separately. In addition, we run a weekly “Renewing Mind and Body” support Group for patients with cognitive decline. This group is open to everybody who can benefit from this support, including family members.
Creating your “Medical Home”
Our Integrative health specialists team believes every person has an innate capacity to heal, regardless of age or chronic conditions. We create a personalized care plan that brings together our support staff and a team of clinical providers. The result is what we call a “medical home” where we work as a team to address your needs thoughtfully, with an emphasis on natural, evidence-informed approaches.
We will collaborate with all your important medical providers, such as the primary care providers, cardiologists, pulmonologists, and any others.
Our affiliation with the GW University Geriatric and Palliative Care Medicine Division and Fellowship keeps us true to the evidence-based principles. We play a key educational role within the GWU and across the U.S. Dr. Mikhail Kogan has been asked to serve as a founding board member on the American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABOIM). Our clinic is one of the few clinical training sites for the world’s first Integrative Geriatric Fellowship Program.
Notification about Medicare
Please note: GWCIM does not accept Medicare or any medical insurance plans; we are a cash-based medical practice. We will assist you in using your insurance resources where possible. Some private plans may offer limited coverage for supplements, medical foods, specialized diets, or modalities such as acupuncture. Many other fees may be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement and may be tax-deductible. We provide all necessary documentation for you to submit claims; however, coverage is not guaranteed.
Important: Medicaid does not cover our services. Patients with private insurance are responsible for confirming coverage and costs with their insurer.
You can view our fees and policies on the dedicated page: Our Fees and Policies.
The initial visit is typically scheduled with Dr. Mikhail Kogan. Additional therapies and approaches are discussed during initial and follow-up appointments.
Our Integrative Geriatric Consultations team:
- Mikhail Kogan, MD
- Marianna Ledenac, ND
- Sally Novak, LCSW, LAc.
- Tiffany Hoyt, DAOM, LAc.
- Ajowa Ifateyo, Nutritionist, ReCODE coordinator
- Abraham Benavides, MD, medical cannabis consultant
- Joelle Rabion, Medical Cannabis coach
- Yael Flusberg, Reiki and Yoga therapist
- Angela Gabriel, LAc, SEP, Acupuncture and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
- Hannah Fine, ReCODE Administrator
