Interface between geriatric and general medicine

Information about their practice has been obtained from 652 consultant physicians in geriatric medicine representing 203 (78%) of the 259 health districts in the United Kingdom (UK). Joint appointments in general and geriatric medicine are held by 19.6%. Admissions policies included admissions selected by suitability for the department (58%) or on an age-related basis (37%)--the most common cut-off age being 75 years. In only a minority, however, were all medical patients above the designated age accepted. The policy generally applied only as long as empty geriatric beds were available. Integrated service (admitting geriatric and internal medicine patients of all ages to a common pool of beds) was practised in 5% of districts. Only one provided long-term care alone. Specialist interests within or in addition to geriatrics were reported by 26% of whole time and 48% of joint appointees. 'Pure' geriatrics remains the most popular form of practice.