This is a new age of medicine, the population in the United States is
growing older and this demographic challenges the medical community to better its
understanding of aging, geriatric training. Physicians who practice
geriatrics are currently in great demand nationwide. Geriatric physician
employment opportunities are plentiful on a nationwide basis.
Pennhurst Group, L.L.C. contracts with many Long Term Care Facilities
to provide physicians who are qualified to provide services to the
patients of the Long Term Care Facilities. This site has been created to
help physicians understand this dynamic marketplace and find information
that may help accomplish certification or employment with Pennhurst Group,
L.L.C.
Geriatric physicians are defined as those physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and
problems specific to old age.
The Numbers are impressive
In the year 2002, there are 9,100 physicians certified in
Geriatrics (Both Internal Medicine and Family Practice).
In the year 2002, there is a need for 22,200 physicians
who are certified.
In the year 2005, there is a projected
number of 16,000 physicians
who will be certified in Geriatrics.
In the year 2005, there is a projected
need for 90,000 physicians who are with
certification in Geriatrics.
Factors leading to Increasing Demand
On average, seniors visit a physician 9.3 times a year, whereas the average for the
general population is 4.7 visits a year. Seniors are hospitalized more than three times
as often as the younger population, and their hospital stays are 50 percent longer.
Changing physiology associated with aging has brought about more awareness in
treating geriatric patients.
Nationally, by 2030, one in five U.S. citizens will be elderly (65 and over), according to figures provided by the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
As an age group, the elderly are likely to have multiple health problems.
Treatment can become a juggling act of managing multiple medications and diseases, and
conferring with sub-specialists such as orthopedists or cardiologists, he added.
There has been a lag in recognizing the unique way illness presents in the elderly
patient and the treatment of that illness will need to be personalized.
The geriatric physician needs to deal with broader issues including the interplay of diseases and medications, knowledge of the natural
changes that come with aging, social and economic issues of elderly patients, and knowledge of how to deal with caregivers, such as families
or social agencies.
There has been only a gradual increase in the amount of geriatric
education at the medical school in all levels. Many times there aren't enough geriatricians
to participate in a fellowship program. Most universities are trying to recruit doctors who specialize in geriatrics.
The reimbursement rate for geriatric physicians is not adequate considering the kinds of intensive care that geriatric patients
require.
A considerable amount of time may be spent with elderly patients and their
families but Medicare and insurance companies have not become more creative in their reimbursement
and have limited payment to procedures performed.
Today's elderly population is healthier. On average, a 65-year-old person today can expect to live 18 more
years. Many are specifically seeking an expert on aging to help them stay
healthy and take a proactive position in taking care of their health.
Our Mission
Our organization contracts with academic and community facilities to
help provide the best medical services available in the Long Term
Community thru excellent physician care.
Contact Information
Please submit your resume today via email or fax.
- Telephone
- 610-524-2400
Extension #15
- FAX
- 610-524-0952
- Postal address
- Suite 250, 300 N. Pottstown Pike
- Exton, Pennsylvania
19341-2239
- Electronic mail
- General Information:
info@geriatricphysician.com
Webmaster:
webmaster@geriatricphysician.com
