A computerized geriatric assessment designed for use in primary care physicians' offices

Comprehensive geriatric assessments have generally been recognized as beneficial for frail elderly patients. However, the complexity of these evaluations has usually required that they be performed in a multidisciplinary setting. Staffing requirements, time commitment, new skill requirements, and reimbursement problems serve as impediments for primary care physicians performing these examinations. Computer technology may be the solution to these problems. A software program has been developed which allows primary care physicians to perform a sophisticated functional assessment on an outpatient basis without the use of a multidisciplinary team. Problems are identified by the computer-assisted protocol and patients are referred for appropriate management. Thus, the physician maintains a primary role in case management. The program is cost effective because it does not require additional staff to operate it and it effectively uses CPT and ICD9 coding.