As Population Ages, Geriatric Specialists in Short Supply

In addition to a shortage of primary care physicians overall, the nation is facing a shortage of a subgroup within primary care — physicians with special training in the care of older people. This scarcity comes at a time when the nation’s fastest-growing population group is 85 and older, according to a report in the Sacramento Bee.

Advertisement

The number of geriatricians has dropped by a quarter since 2000 to 7,000 physicians, according to the report, while the American Geriatrics Society estimates there will be a need for 36,000 of these specialists by 2030.

The kind of medicine geriatricians practice emphasizes prevention, comprehensive lifestyle modification and management of chronic conditions.

Read the Sacramento Bee‘s report on the scarcity of geriatricians.

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Integration & Physician Issues

  • How many of you have felt like a flea in a jar? If you put fleas in a jar, they…

Advertisement

Comments are closed.