An article published in The New Yorke Times estimates that by year 2030 approximately 31 million Americans will be 75 years and older. And there will continue to be a shortage of Geriatricians in the US. Currently there are about 7,000 Geriatricians in the US. In order to meet demand there should be at least 7000 more Geriatricians graduating by year 2030. Among the reasons why doctors avoid specializing in geriatric medicine are low median yearly salary and low Medicare reimbursement rates making sustaining a geriatric practice difficult. It is crucial that together we change this trend. How can we do this? By putting pressure on our politicians and universities. And by informing the general public about the importance of geriatric care.
Geriatricians are physicians trained in the aging process. They evaluate and manage medical, social, and emotional needs of older adults. Their focus is in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and disability in older adults. They are specialized in geriatric assessment and rehabilitation, preventive medicine, management of patients in long-term care settings, and psycho-social, ethical, legal, and economic issues pertinent to geriatric patients. They give special attention to patients suffering from frailty, falls, incontinence, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, sensory impairment and other cognitive and affective changes that occur with aging.
If you are 65 years and older it is crucial to see a Geriatrician at least once a year to prevent chronic conditions or:
Geriatricians are physicians trained in the aging process. They evaluate and manage medical, social, and emotional needs of older adults. Their focus is in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and disability in older adults. They are specialized in geriatric assessment and rehabilitation, preventive medicine, management of patients in long-term care settings, and psycho-social, ethical, legal, and economic issues pertinent to geriatric patients. They give special attention to patients suffering from frailty, falls, incontinence, cerebrovascular disease, dementia, sensory impairment and other cognitive and affective changes that occur with aging.
If you are 65 years and older it is crucial to see a Geriatrician at least once a year to prevent chronic conditions or:
- if you have been diagnosed with a new chronic condition, cancer or mental disorder;
- every time you have been prescribed a new medication by other physicians;
- to make sure that your chronic conditions are under check;
- once a month if you are in a long-term care institution
Dr. Mehrdad Ayati, MD, Board Certified in Geriatrics and Family Medicine
Importance of informing the media, the politicians and the universities about the shortage of Geriatricians- Mehrdad Ayati MD, Board Certified in Geriatric Medicine
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