Opinion

Geriatrics practices needed in large cities, where seniors can be shunned

LETTER — Posted Oct. 17, 2005

Print  |   Email  |   Respond  |   Reprints  |   Like Facebook  |   Share Twitter  |   Tweet Linkedin

Regarding " 'Geriatrics is a specialty that never should have happened' " (Letters, Sept. 19): I assume letter author Brian W. Meeker, DO, practicing in a town of less than 6,000 people (Vinton, Iowa), presents many similarities to my GP father, who practiced in a tiny village in northern Wisconsin. They represent the best of the breed of family doctors.

What Dr. Meeker may not have experienced is the "disinterested-in-seniors" attitude and practice of a significant number of internists and specialists in larger cities. I have witnessed, firsthand, senior friends and relatives inadequately evaluated, then treated as if such action will save time and money in the long run. Had they been 20 years younger, the medical care for these patients would have been much better. Such a recurrent pattern reveals a prejudice, in too many physicians, against older patients. It is similar to the prejudice against obese patients. Both of those populations, at present, are increasing. They need all the help we can give them. Geriatrics represents a much needed specialty.

R. Larry Schmitt, MD, San Diego

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/10/17/edlt1017.htm.

Back to top


ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE


Featured
Read story

Confronting bias against obese patients

Medical educators are starting to raise awareness about how weight-related stigma can impair patient-physician communication and the treatment of obesity. Read story


Read story

Goodbye

American Medical News is ceasing publication after 55 years of serving physicians by keeping them informed of their rapidly changing profession. Read story


Read story

Policing medical practice employees after work

Doctors can try to regulate staff actions outside the office, but they must watch what they try to stamp out and how they do it. Read story


Read story

Diabetes prevention: Set on a course for lifestyle change

The YMCA's evidence-based program is helping prediabetic patients eat right, get active and lose weight. Read story


Read story

Medicaid's muddled preventive care picture

The health system reform law promises no-cost coverage of a lengthy list of screenings and other prevention services, but some beneficiaries still might miss out. Read story


Read story

How to get tax breaks for your medical practice

Federal, state and local governments offer doctors incentives because practices are recognized as economic engines. But physicians must know how and where to find them. Read story


Read story

Advance pay ACOs: A down payment on Medicare's future

Accountable care organizations that pay doctors up-front bring practice improvements, but it's unclear yet if program actuaries will see a return on investment. Read story


Read story

Physician liability: Your team, your legal risk

When health care team members drop the ball, it's often doctors who end up in court. How can physicians improve such care and avoid risks? Read story

  • Stay informed
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • LinkedIn