Primary medical care for elderly patients. Part II: Results of a survey of office based clinicians.

Evidence of the degree of fit between the special needs of the elderly and the service mix and payment level of ambulatory services offered under the Medicare program is presented in this second part of a two-part study of geriatric office care. Results from interviews with a focus group of 60 practicing clinicians, incorporating diversity of geography and practice setting, are described and compared with the view of geriatricians. Between 30 and 57% of the clinicians are aware of negative effects of Medicare's benefit structure on specific aspects of their practice.