What to Look for in an Anti-Aging Doctor

Are you ready to take control of the aging process and enhance your quality of life? Finding the right anti-aging doctor is your first step.

Multiple studies have shown that anti-aging medicine is an essential part of staying healthy in your later years, but many people don’t even know it’s an option. It’s not uncommon for older adults to wait until problems develop before seeking treatment, and even then, they may write off their symptoms as “just a part of getting older”. 

But aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. Keep reading to find out how you can find a qualified, patient-focused anti-aging doctor who’s the perfect fit for you.

Expertise in Anti-Aging Medicine

Many people hear “anti-aging” and immediately assume we are talking about delaying or reversing aging to look and feel younger. While some treatments do result in this, anti-aging medicine encompasses much more than that. 

What is Anti-Aging Wellness?

The ultimate goal of anti-aging medicine is to maintain physical and mental health as long as possible, but there are a couple different approaches to doing that. 

The first approach is focused on the fact that aging is caused by the gradual deterioration of your cells. By using advanced technology, procedures, and treatments, scientists have found ways to delay, prevent, or reverse cell degeneration–in other words, delaying, preventing, or reversing the aging process.

The second approach is focused on age-related disorders and diseases. It involves early detection, prevention, and treatment of these conditions, to reduce their risk of developing, minimize their impact when they do develop, and prolong a healthy life either way.

Because the two approaches share a common goal of maintaining health with age, these two views work well together. The result is a holistic view of aging that addresses the root causes of symptoms, by focusing on areas such as:

• Hormonal balance
• Proper nutrition
• Physical strength and mobility
• Cognitive function and mental health
• Skin health and visible signs of aging

Anti-Aging Experts

However, many older adults do not receive this type of care. There’s a myth that getting older means losing your health, and with so many living with the reality of their age-related conditions being under-diagnosed and under-treated by primary care doctors, it’s no wonder they come to believe that their symptoms are normal for their age. 

This is where anti-aging experts like Dr. Roz come in. 

Alternative medical practitioners, such as functional medicine doctors and naturopathic doctors, are fundamental for filling the gap in this area. You can achieve optimal wellness at any age by making healthy choices for your body, and that’s the goal of anti-aging practitioners.

Key Qualifications to Seek in an Anti-Aging Doctor

To continue thriving as you age, it’s important to find a doctor who is trained in anti-aging specialties, such as hormone therapy, nutrition, and regenerative medicine. But how do you know you’ve found a good one?

Before you commit to a doctor, check out their training and qualifications. You can do this by looking at their website, calling their office, or setting up an initial consultation with the doctor. Some offices even offer a complimentary consultation or discovery call so you can ensure a good fit. In addition to being a licensed medical professional, their experience and training should include certifications from respected sources, such as the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, in relevant fields such as:

• Functional Medicine
• Metabolic Medicine
• Nutrition

A doctor with training in a range of specialties is ideal because they will have the experience needed to be creative with your care. Aging is different for everyone, so look for a doctor who uses personalized treatment plans, and find out how they plan to tailor your care to meet your individual needs. 

Services Offered by Anti-Aging Doctors

Now that you know to look for a custom care plan, you might be wondering what types of treatments you can expect to see on it? Before recommending treatments, your doctor will conduct a thorough assessment of your health, including your medical history, lifestyle, genetic predispositions, and more. Then they will design a plan that may include diagnostics, medications or supplements, or lifestyle changes, such as these common ones:

1. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): Used to balance your hormones, this therapy has many potential benefits, including relieving hot flashes, improving bone health, and promoting sexual wellness.
2. Nutritional Counseling: Personalized recommendations for supporting your body with whole foods and dietary supplements. 
3. Advanced Diagnostics: This includes tools like Genomic Testing to understand how your genetics are affecting your health and how to optimize your wellness plan for your unique needs.
4. Detoxification: Detoxes involve identifying toxins and environmental factors that contribute to aging, and supporting the body’s natural ability to cleanse with supplements, IV therapy, and lifestyle changes.  

These types of services are ideal because they address both the symptoms and the underlying causes of aging-related concerns. 

Red Flags to Avoid

While most medical professionals are looking to help you, it’s still important to be cautious. Here are some red flags to look out for in a new provider:

1. Lack of Transparency: They don’t explain the purpose of the treatment or how it works, don’t give satisfactory answers to your questions, or fail to be upfront about the cost of the services.
2. Reliance on Unproven Treatments: They recommend treatments that haven’t been proven to help, are ineffective, or are even harmful. They may be reluctant to answer questions about the service or unable to direct you to external information about its safety and effectiveness. 
3. Pushy Sales Tactics: They pressure you into treatments you’re uncomfortable with or can’t afford. They try to “upsell” different products without a clear reason. They use fear tactics to scare you into buying something from them or to convince you that you can’t get it from anyone else.
4. Quick Fixes or a One-Size-Fits-All Approach: They don’t take a complete medical history, seem uninterested in your concerns, or offer solutions without taking time to gather information or do diagnostic tests. They may also offer a treatment or product that “fixes everything” or “works for all their patients”.

If you feel uncomfortable with your doctor, the treatment plan, or the way you are being treated, it’s always okay to ask questions, express your concerns, or even walk away. Before you begin a new treatment, don’t be afraid to get outside help or a second opinion. 

What to Look for Instead

You’re an individual with a unique health story, and a quality medical professional will be respectful of that fact. Your care should begin with a thorough consultation where they become familiar with your history, lifestyle, and goals. It’s common for doctors to need to do exams or tests to determine what treatments to pursue.

Once they’ve evaluated you and decided on treatment options, your doctor should discuss their findings with you and thoroughly explain your options, along with the risks and benefits. They should answer your questions, address any concerns you have, and provide you with other resources to learn about the treatments if you ask. They should feel like a member of your team, guiding you with their expertise, while ensuring that you feel confident in the course of action you decide on together. 

Questions to Ask During Your Search for an Anti-Aging Wellness Doctor

A lot goes into finding the right anti-aging doctor for your health journey. In addition to basic questions about payments, location, and whether they’re accepting new patients, you’ll want to be sure their care philosophies, treatment methods, service options, and more are a good fit for your needs. 

Here are some examples of questions you can ask to help you assess the providers you’re considering:

1. What are their certifications? What areas do they specialize in?
2. What treatments do they offer? Do they have the proper training and certifications to administer those?
3. How do they approach the doctor/patient relationship? 
4. How do they ensure your treatment is personalized to your needs?
5. What can you expect during an appointment?
6. What is their communication style?
7. How do they address your questions about treatments, medications, and procedures?
8. How important do they think it is to ensure you understand the treatment plans?
9. Do they encourage you to ask questions and express your opinion?
10. Do they have experience with ___________ (Any specific concern or condition you may have)?
11. Who should you contact if you have non-emergency questions between appointments? How quickly can you expect a response?
12. How soon will you be able to schedule an appointment? 
13. Where can you get more information about the services they provide and their effectiveness?
14. How do payments work? If something is not covered by insurance, when and how will you be notified?
15. Do they provide post-visit summaries of what was addressed, important information discussed, and what actions need to be taken next?

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. While you can get some of this information on their website or by calling their office, an initial consultation is an ideal option if it’s offered. They allow you to speak with the doctor, ask them your questions directly, and see if you feel comfortable before you commit to their care. 

Empowering Your Health Journey

Now that you know what to look for and what to avoid, it’s time to begin your search. A high-quality anti-aging doctor can make all the difference for your health and longevity, so take the time to research your options thoroughly, ask plenty of questions, and make informed choices about your care. Once you’ve found some promising options, schedule consultations to compare approaches and ensure they are compatible with your needs. 

If you’re looking for an Anti-Aging Expert in Scottsdale, Arizona, don’t forget to add Dr. Roz to your list. Dr. Roz is a licensed naturopathic doctor with a certification in advanced metabolic endocrinology and a fellowship in metabolic, nutritional, and functional medicine through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. After experiencing her own health struggles, she became a naturopathic practitioner so she could help as many people as possible discover how good they can actually feel, and she’d love to find out how she can help you.

Schedule your complimentary Discovery Call with Dr. Roz today.