ABSTRACT
The topic of how older individuals interact with their physicians is a particularly appropriate one for inclusion in this volume in light of the frequency with which older people utilize health care. During 1997, people in the United States between 65 and 74 averaged 5.5 office visits to a physician, and those 75 years of age and older averaged 6.5 visits (U.S. Census Bureau, 1999). This represents 24.3% of all physician office visits for the year 1997 (U.S. Census Bureau, 1999). Of course, not all physician-older patient interactions occur in the physician’s office. During 1996, adults 65 years of age and older averaged just under 12 patient-physician contacts. Table 18.1 provides some indication of how older adults compare with other age cohorts in terms of their frquency of physician contacts.
