Trends of Geriatric Certification and Practice Patterns of Family Physicians: 1988-2019

Demand for geriatric care is increasing due to aging population. Trends in maintaining certification in geriatrics are unreported. Our objective was to describe the historic trend of family physicians who certified in geriatric medicine (FPs-GM) since 1988 and to assess differences in practice patterns between FPs-GM and family physicians (FPs).

We performed a retrospective descriptive study using administrative data collected by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). The study population was family physicians registering to continue their ABFM certification from 2017 to 2019. Medicare public use billing data was linked to ABFM administrative data on certification history. We used univariate analysis for descriptive analysis and logistic regression to identify contributors of recertification in geriatrics.

We identified a total of 3,207 FPs-GM between 1988 and 2019. More than half maintained GM certification since 2009 (57%), with male gender, White race, and urban practice associated with maintaining GM certification; 61% of their patients were older adults. FPs-GM were more likely to be in an academic practice setting with nearly half (53%) also practicing in hospitals or nursing homes. In the adjusted regression model, younger FPs or FPs who treat more older patients were significantly more likely to be recertified in geriatrics whereas other demographics and practice characteristics were not significant.

Most FPs who recently earned GM certification tended to retain certification since the required accredited fellowship started in 1995.