How is the Senior Health Center different from a primary care physician's office?

Our Senior Health Center is staffed by specially trained geriatricians -- physicians who are experts in the care of aging adults. When a patient comes to us, we look at all the factors that play a role in senior health – the social and emotional factors, as well as the physical ones. Aging is a complex process and our team has an incredible depth of knowledge in this area, which allows us to provide the most comprehensive care possible.

Our expertise and our focus on senior care are what set us apart from other clinics. Unlike your ordinary doctor's office, we operate as a patient-centered "medical home," which means we follow the nationally recognized medical home model of care.

Why was the Senior Health Center created?

With the increasing number of aging adults in our community, experts agree that the need for quality health care for seniors will continue to grow. El Camino Hospital created the Senior Health Center to offer the best possible care to our seniors, so that they will be able to stay healthy and live independently for many years to come.

As a "medical home," do patients live at the Senior Health Center?

No, patients come to the Senior Health Center for medical appointments only; we are not a residential or live-in care facility for seniors. However, our physicians are available 24/7 for medical emergencies.

The term "medical home" refers to the unique model of care we provide and is a nationally recognized designation. For our senior patients, we are a central resource for all of their health-related needs, large and small.

Is the Senior Health Center unique? Are there other centers like this in the Bay Area?

There is no other center quite like ours in the region, which is why we are excited to bring this model of care to our community.

Does the Senior Health Center offer other senior services, such as classes or recreational activities (swimming/fitness, etc.)?

Although we currently do not offer these types of classes at our facility, we can make recommendations based on our extensive knowledge of what is currently offered here in the Mountain View area. In the future, however, we do plan to expand our services to offer classes on chronic conditions and other topics related to senior health. Be sure to check our web page at a later date to look for class listings and special events!

Is the Senior Health Center located within the main hospital building in Mountain View?

We are not located in the main hospital tower, but we are on the hospital's campus. Our address is 2660 Grant Road in Mountain View; we have our own designated parking lot in front of the building, which our patients find very convenient.

What insurance do you accept?

We accept Medicare Part B and several other types of insurance. You can contact us at 650-962-4360 to find out if your particular insurance is accepted.

How do I become a patient? What is the process?

New patients can self-refer (call us directly at 650-962-4360 for an appointment) or can be referred to us by a physician. You will need to meet the necessary insurance requirements, as listed above. When you come to visit us for the first time, we ask that you provide all current medical records and current prescriptions (if available).

What are the qualifications of your medical staff?

Our physicians are board-certified in geriatrics and have extensive experience working with the elderly population. Geriatricians are physicians who specialize in the care of older adults and understand the physical, mental and social changes in older people as they age.

Patrick Kearns, M.D., a longtime gerontologist and chronic care expert in the community, serves as the center's medical director. Additional physicians at the center include Martha Dorn, M.D., Eric Pifer, M.D. and Jessica Ybarra, M.D.

When is the center open? What are your office hours?

We are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for appointments. We also have physicians on call after hours for emergencies. We encourage you to drop by or give us a call for more information.