Update of geriatric psychiatry practices among American psychiatrists - Analysis of the 1996 National Survey of Psychiatric Practice

Using data from the 1996 National Survey of Psychiatric Practice from the A merican Psychiatric Association (APA), the authors updated information on p sychiatrists who are high geriatric providers (HGPs). In 1996, HGPs compris ed 18% of the sample. Only 23% reported no geriatric patients in their prac tice, a 51% reduction from 1988-89; tbe proportion of HGPs is increasing. H GPs were more often male, minority, international medical school graduates, certified in geriatric psychiatry, and not medical school-affiliated. HGPs worked longer hours/week in direct patient care, had more patient visits/w eek and saw more new patients/month, spending more time in hospitals and nu rsing homes and less time in office-based practice, and seeing more patient s With mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and other disorders. Medicare w as a proportionally higher payment source. Older psychiatrists were likely to have more patients over age 65. Tracking practice activities of HGPs may help inform policy discussion regarding staffing needs for geriatric patie nts with late-life mental disorders.