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New report shows critical geriatrician shortage, need for more training

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, April 29, 2004

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Statistics from two Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs (ADGAP) studies estimate that the aging population requires 14,000 certified geriatricians in the United States, yet only 7,500 currently practice. A lack of geriatrics education in medical schools contributes to the shortage because most institutions focus on critical care. A dangerous consequence of this dearth is the effect on chronic diseases prevalent in the elderly such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Low Medicare reimbursement for these illnesses, combined with high patient volume, discourages many students from enrolling in the geriatric training programs that schools offer. The ADGAP report asks Congress to revise the Medicare system to reimburse physicians for geriatric assessment and care coordination services. The report also lobbies for loan forgiveness as an incentive to promote geriatrics training enrollment.

Source: AScribe Newswire

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