|Articles|July 1, 2006

Easy Gait Exam

The best place to evaluate a patient's gait is not the exam room, but the waiting room.

To reduce the time needed for a gait examination and endear yourself to your elderly patients at the same time, greet patients in the waiting area and accompany them to the examination room. This allows you to evaluate their ability to rise up from a chair and to evaluate their gait-and patients will appreciate your hospitality and display of caring.

- Rachel P. Espiritu, MD
Akron, Ohio

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