I wonder why? Hmmm . . . actually, the article does a decent job explaining the obvious reason why there is such little interest in geriatrics. Every single incentive is geared against primary care and geriatrics:
Reimbursement drives doctors’ compensation. Gastroenterology, for instance, became more lucrative – and popular – once Medicare, which sets the standard for most other health insurance, began paying for screening colonoscopies. Geriatricians joke that they are waiting for the invention of a geriscope, so that they too can bill for procedures.Meanwhile, much of what they do – communicating with family members, discouraging unnecessary tests – is time consuming but not reimbursed.
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- How to get more medical students interested in geriatrics?
- Maggie Mahar: Removing the hazardous waste from healthcare
- Aging
- Should ER doctors be immune from medical malpractice?
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Economics plays a role here, definately. However, prestige is also related. Geriatrics doesn’t have any special procedures. It’s not flashy. Med students like flashy.
Geriatrics, like infectious disease and rheumatology, is for “cerebral types” who like thinking more than doing. These people are becoming more and more rare in US Medical schools. That’s why we have a shortage – everyone wants to “do something” instead of “standing there.”
I just have to say that as a patient, family physicians are the most important physicians in my mind. I’ve had horrible experiences with certain specialists and an ER doc, while my family doctor always makes me feel well-cared for and a whole person rather than a disease. I think the public really appreciates a good family doctor, and sadly their value is just not reflected in the economic side.
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