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Digital Seminar

Geriatric Assessment Strategies: Atypical Symptoms & Complex Diagnoses


Speaker:
Susann Varano, MD
Duration:
1 Hour
Format:
Audio and Video
Copyright:
Oct 16, 2025
Product Code:
POS078958
Media Type:
Digital Seminar


Description

Geriatric patients are a vulnerable population and health care providers may be the hope that these patients need and really want. Atypical presentation of symptoms adds a layer of complexity to accurately diagnose and treat. Long covid is a post-infection, multisystemic condition that needs assessment attention. Susan Varano, MD, will help you navigate these rough waters. Both rapid and detailed assessment tools will gather key patient data to make informed decisions. She will share her best practice tips for falls, elder mistreatment, cognitive function, depression, and general physical examination.

Credit

Planning Committee Disclosure - No relevant relationships

All members of the PESI, Inc. planning committee have provided disclosures of financial relationships with ineligible organizations and any relevant non-financial relationships prior to planning content for this activity. None of the committee members had relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies or other potentially biasing relationships to disclose to learners.  For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.



* Credit Note - **

NOTE: Tuition includes one free CE Certificate (participant will be able to print the certificate of completion after passing the online post-test (80% passing score) and completing the evaluation). Instructional methods will include PowerPoint, didactic lecture, and others.

Continuing Education Information:  Listed below are the continuing education credit(s) currently available for this non-interactive self-study package. Program content is reviewed periodically per accrediting board rules for currency and appropriateness for credit. Credit approvals are subject to change. Please note, your state licensing board dictates whether self-study is an acceptable form of continuing education, as well as which credit types are acceptable for continuing education hours. Please refer to your state rules and regulations. If your profession is not listed, please contact your licensing board to determine your continuing education requirements and check for reciprocal approval. 
For other credit inquiries not specified below, please contact info@pesi.com or 800-844-8260 before purchase.

Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of your profession.  As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession's standards.  

For Planning Committee disclosures, please see the statement above.  For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.


* Credit Note - ---

Earn up to 1.0 CE hours. Please see below, for more details, as credit amounts vary by state and profession. 


Social Workers - Alabama Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Alabama Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Alaska Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Alaska Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Arizona Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Arizona Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Arkansas Social Workers

This course consists of 1.0 continuing education contact hours for Arkansas Social Workers and is designed to meet the continuing education requirements of the State of Arkansas Department of Health Social Work Licensing Board (Ark. Code Ann. §17-103-203). Please retain the course advertisement and certificate of completion for your CE records.


Social Workers - Social Workers - National ASWB ACE

PESI, Inc., #1062, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: January 27, 2023 - January 27, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 1.0 Clinical continuing education credits.

 

Course Level: Intermediate Format: Recorded asynchronous distance. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.

 

Canadian Social Workers: Canadian provinces may accept activities approved by the ASWB for ongoing professional development.


Social Workers - California Social Workers

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 1.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Social Workers - Colorado Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Provider #1413. This self-study course has been approved for 1.0 continuing education hours. 

 

COLORADO PARTICIPANTS ONLY: If you did not answer YES to be reported to the Colorado Chapter of the NASW on the evaluation, please contact cepesi@pesi.com and provide the full title of the webcast, speaker name, date of live broadcast, your name and your license number in the email.


Social Workers - Connecticut Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Connecticut Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Delaware Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Delaware Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - District of Columbia Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for District of Columbia Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Florida Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Provider Number 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 1.0 continuing education credits. 


Social Workers - Georgia Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Georgia Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Hawaii Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Hawaii Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Idaho Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Idaho Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Illinois Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Illinois, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 159-000154. Successful completion of this self-study activity qualifies for 1.0 contact hours.


Social Workers - Indiana Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Indiana Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Iowa Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Iowa Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Kansas Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Provider #14-006. This self-study course has been approved for 1.0 continuing education hours.


Social Workers - Kentucky Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Kentucky Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Maine Social Workers

This course consists of 1.0 continuing education contact hours for Maine Social Workers and is designed to meet the continuing education requirements of the Maine State Board of Social Work Licensure (Rule 416, Chapter 14(1)(1)). Please retain the course advertisement and certificate of completion for your CE records.


Social Workers - Massachusetts Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Massachusetts Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Michigan Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Michigan Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Minnesota Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Minnesota, Board of Social Work. Provider #: CEP-140. This self-study package has been approved for 1.0 continuing education hours. This certificate has been issued upon successful completion of a post-test.


Social Workers - Missouri Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Missouri Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Montana Social Workers

The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves any courses or sponsors. Each licensee is responsible for taking courses which contribute to their competence and directly relate to their scope of practice as defined in board statute (MAR 24-219-32). Licensees must keep CE documentation for three years in case of an audit. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 1.0 clock hours of instruction.


Social Workers - Nevada Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Nevada Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.

 


Social Workers - New Hampshire Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for New Hampshire Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - New Jersey Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for New Jersey Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - New Mexico Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for New Mexico Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - New York Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0008. This self-study activity will qualify for 1.0 contact hours. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance. 


Social Workers - North Dakota Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for North Dakota Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Ohio Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider approval #:RCST071001. Full attendance at this course meets the qualifications for 1.0 clock hours of general continuing education. Tracking number: 20-1338164


Social Workers - Oklahoma Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Oklahoma Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Oregon Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Oregon Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Pennsylvania Social Workers

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors accepts many national association CE approvals, several of which PESI offers. For a full list, please see your State Board regulations at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 1.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Social Workers - Rhode Island Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Rhode Island Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - South Carolina Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for South Carolina  Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - South Dakota Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for South Dakota Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Texas Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Texas Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Vermont Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Vermont Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Virginia Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for  Virginia Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Washington Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Washington Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Social Workers - Wisconsin Social Workers

CE credit is available for 1.0 continuing education hours for Wisconsin Social Workers. Please see national social work approvals for this program.


Nurses - Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Clinical Nurse Specialists - ANCC

PESI, Inc. is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. Nurses completing these self-study materials will earn 1.0 contact hours. Expires: 08/07/2028.


Nurses - California Nurses

PESI, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of  Registered Nursing, Provider #: 17118 for 1.0 self-study contact hours. 

** You will need to provide your license number to PESI. PESI must have this number on file in order for your hours to be valid.


Nurses - Florida Nurses

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider by the Florida Board of  Nursing. Provider #: FBN2858. These materials qualify for 1.0 self-study contact hours.

CE Broker


Occupational Therapists - Occupational Therapists & Occupational Therapy Assistants

 

PESI, Inc.  is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. PD activity approval ID# 013076. This Distance Learning-Independent is offered at .1  CEUs, Introductory, OT Delivery Service . The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Full attendance at this Distance Learning-Independent activity qualifies for 1.0 contact hours.

 


Occupational Therapists - Arizona Occupational Therapists & Occupational Therapy Assistants

CE credit is available. This self-study course consists of 1.0​ continuing education clock hours for Arizona OTs and OTAs. The Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (R4-43-203) confirms acceptance of continuing education programs relevant to occupational therapy that are approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).


Occupational Therapists - Florida Occupational Therapists & Occupational Therapy Assistants

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Occupational Therapy. Provider Number #50-399. This course qualifies for 1.0 self-study continuing education credits.

CE Broker


Physical Therapists - Alaska Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

CE credit is available. This self-study course consists of 1.0 continuing education credit hours for Alaska Physical Therapists. The Board Rule 12 AAC 54.420 confirms acceptance of continuing education programs that are recognized by other state physical therapy licensing boards. PESI, Inc. is recognized by the Physical Therapy Board of California as an approval agency to approve providers.


Physical Therapists - Arizona Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

CE credit is available. The Arizona State Board of Physical Therapy recognizes continuing competence activities that have been approved by any state PT association or national medical/health care association (e.g., AOTA, ASHA). This self-study activity consists of 1.0 clock hours of instruction applicable for physical therapists.


Physical Therapists - California Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the Physical Therapy Board of California as an approval agency to approve providers. This self-study lecture qualifies for 1.0 continuing competency hours.


Physical Therapists - Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

This self-study course consists of 1.0 clock hours of instruction that is applicable for physical therapists. CE requirements for physical therapists vary by state/jurisdiction. Please retain the certificate of completion that you receive and use as proof of completion when required.


Physical Therapists - Illinois Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

PESI, Inc. is a Registered Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor through the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 216.000270. This self-study course qualifies for 1.0 CE credit hours.


Physical Therapists - Kentucky Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants

This self-study course consists of 1.0 continuing education credit hours. For Kentucky licensees, according to 201 KAR 22:045, this self-study educational offering may be applied toward Category 2 continued competency requirements.  Please review the regulation to determine eligibility. 


Physical Therapists - New York Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department, State Board for Physical Therapy as an approved provider for physical therapy and physical therapy assistant continuing education. This self-study course qualifies for 1.2 contact hours.


Physical Therapists - North Carolina Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation, Provider Number: 216.000270. This intermediate course is approved by the North Carolina Board of Physical Therapy Examiners by virtue of PESI Inc. approved provider status with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation. This course qualifies for 1.0 continuing education hours.


Physical Therapists - Oklahoma Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants

CE credit is available. This asynchronous activity consists of 1.0 continuing education credit hours for Oklahoma Physical Therapists. Oklahoma Administrative Code 435:20-9-3.1 confirms acceptance of continuing education programs offered by providers approved by other state physical therapy licensing boards. PESI, Inc. is a Registered Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor through the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 216.000270.


Physical Therapists - Pennsylvania Physical Therapists and Assistants

The Pennsylvania State Board of Physical Therapy recognizes approval by all other state boards. This self-study activity consists of 1.0 clock hours of instruction that is applicable for physical therapists.


Physical Therapists - Texas Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

This self-study activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider #2706032TX and meets continuing competence requirements for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure renewal in Texas. Instructional Level: Intermediate . This activity will provide 1.0 CCUs. The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.


Physical Therapists - Utah Physical Therapists And Physical Therapist Assistants

This course is designed to meet the Utah DOPL Rule R156-24b-303b.2.c.iv - A commercial continuing education provider providing a course related to the practice of physical therapy. Please retain a copy of the advertising brochure and your certificate of completion to provide to your board should this be requested of you. This self-study activity consists of 1.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Physical Therapists - Vermont Physical Therapists & Physical Therapist Assistants

CE credit is available. This course consists of 1.0 continuing education credit hours for Vermont Physical Therapists. The Board confirms acceptance of continuing education programs that are recognized by other state physical therapy licensing boards. PESI, Inc. is a Registered Physical Therapy Continuing Education Sponsor through the State of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 216.000270.


Physical Therapists - Virginia Physical Therapists & Physical Therapy Assistants

CE credit is available. This self-study course consists of 1.0 hours of type 2 continued competency credit for Virginia Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants. Regulation 18VAC112-20-131, Section B, (2) states that up to ten type 2 continued competency credits can be earned by completing independent study activities related to the clinical practice of physical therapy. 


Other Professions

This self-study activity qualifies for 1.0 continuing education clock hours as required by many national, state and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your activity advertisement and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific requirements.



Handouts/Brochure

Speaker

Susann Varano, MD's Profile

Susann Varano, MD Related seminars and products


Susann Varano, MD, is a Yale University-trained physician who is double board certified in internal medicine and geriatric medicine. Her expertise is sought currently as a geriatric consultant for medically complex residents/patients and as an adjunct professor teaching geriatric coursework to physician assistant students. Additionally, Dr. Varano is the principal investigator at Clinical Research Consulting. As such, she has completed over 200 clinical trials, has presented findings at numerous national/international conferences and her written articles have been featured in US News and World Report.

Dr. Varano has served as geriatrics course director and lecturer for the Yale University School of Medicine Physician Associate Program. Additionally, she was selected to work in the Yale University Hospital Affiliated Program, a position where she would give the prestigious Medical Grand Round Lectures to medical staff as well as community physicians.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Susann Varano is the principal clinical investigator with Clinical Research Consulting, LLC, and a geriatrician consultant with Maplewood Senior Living and Hamden Health and Candlewood Valley Rehabilitation. Dr. Varano receives a consulting fee, speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Susann Varano has no relevant non-financial relationships.


Additional Info

Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepepesi.com


Questions?

Visit our FAQ page at www.pesi.com/faq or contact us at www.pesi.com/info


Objectives

  1. Assess the functional ability of the older adult.
  2. Diagnose depression in complex older adults using validated assessment tools.
  3. Determine if elder abuse is present in your patient population.
  4. Apply fall assessment knowledge to improve quality of life for your patients.
  5. Understand the latest covid data and how it relates to your patient population.
  6. Apply long covid diagnosis and treatment knowledge to better manage your patient’s symptoms.

Outline

Physical Assessment
  • Functional status
  • Nutrition
  • Vision
  • Hearing
Assessment of Falls
  • History and context of a fall event
  • Timed ‘get up and go’ test
  • Chair stand test
  • Gait and balance testing
    • Tinetti gait and balance scale
    • Observational
  • Orthostatic vital signs
  • Medication review
  • Vision check
Assessing for Elder Mistreatment
  • History
    • Interview patient and caregiver separately
    • Begin with broad based questions
    • Be nonjudgmental with caregivers
  • Physical
    • Poor hygiene
    • Dirty/torn/inappropriate clothing
    • Neglected hair/nails
  • Injuries
    • Bruises to upper torso
    • Scratches/skin findings where patient cannot reach
    • Scalp injuries
  • Behavior
    • Expressions of fear, avoidance of caregiver
    • Lack of eye contact with caregiver
    • Caregiver insisting on being present for all interactions
    • Serial switching of healthcare providers
    • Inconsistent history
Rapid Screen for Cognitive Function
  • 3 item recall
Depression Assessment Tools
  • The Geriatric Depression Scale
  • Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
  • Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)
    • Have you been troubled by feeling down, depressed, or hopeless?
    • have you expressed little interest or pleasure in doing things?
  • Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia
Covid and Long Covid
  • Who is at risk
  • Prevention
  • Symptoms
  • Testing and diagnosis, rule out similar conditions
  • Current best practices for treatment

Target Audience

  • Registered Nurses
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Physicians
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physical Therapists
  • Physical Therapist Assistants
  • Occupational Therapists
  • Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • Counselors
  • Nursing Home Administrators

Reviews

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