Economic aspects of geriatric care provided in family practice

A mail survey among family physicians in three counties around Kingston, Ontario, concerning their opinions on the time required to care for elderly patients and the adequacy of fee schedules for such service, resulted in 69% response. The vast majority believe old patients require substantially more time per visit than younger patients. More than half acknowledged spending less time than needed on at least one important activity during office visits with old patients. More than half felt their fee schedule should more fairly reflect the time required for old patients, even if this would not increase their total income.