Top 25 Geriatricians Across the US
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What is a Geriatrician?
Learn about this specialty, training requirements, and when to schedule a visit.
A geriatrician is a physician who specializes in the healthcare of elderly adults, typically those aged 65 and older. These medical experts focus on promoting health, preventing and treating diseases, and managing the complex medical and social issues that often accompany aging. Geriatricians are trained to address the unique physiological changes of aging, manage multiple chronic conditions simultaneously, optimize medication regimens, and coordinate care across various healthcare settings while prioritizing quality of life and functional independence.
Training and Qualifications
Becoming a geriatrician requires extensive education and training:
- 4 years of medical school to earn an MD or DO degree
- 3 years of internal medicine or family medicine residency
- 1-2 years of geriatric medicine fellowship with specialized training in elderly care
- Total of 11-12+ years of education and training beyond high school
- Additional training in dementia care, palliative medicine, falls prevention, and polypharmacy management
Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) or American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) with Certificate of Added Qualifications (CAQ) in Geriatric Medicine. Certification requires passing comprehensive examinations after completing an accredited fellowship. Maintenance of certification requires ongoing learning and periodic re-examination.
When Should You See a Geriatrician?
You should consider seeing a geriatrician if:
- You are 65 or older with multiple chronic health conditions
- You are experiencing memory problems or cognitive decline
- You have had multiple falls or balance difficulties
- You are taking 5 or more medications and concerned about side effects or interactions
- You are experiencing unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or functional decline
- You need help coordinating care between multiple specialists
- You or your family are considering assisted living or nursing home care
- You want guidance on advance care planning and end-of-life decisions
Key Facts
Common Conditions Treated
Geriatricians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that geriatricians help patients manage.
Dementia and Cognitive Disorders
Progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities that interferes with daily functioning, including Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians conduct comprehensive cognitive assessments, diagnose specific dementia types, prescribe appropriate medications to slow progression, manage behavioral symptoms, coordinate care with neurologists, and support families through disease progression and care planning.
Falls and Balance Disorders
Increased risk of falls due to muscle weakness, balance problems, medication effects, vision changes, or environmental hazards, which can lead to serious injuries in older adults.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians perform comprehensive fall risk assessments, review medications that may cause dizziness, order bone density tests, prescribe physical therapy for strength and balance, recommend home safety modifications, and manage underlying conditions contributing to fall risk.
Polypharmacy and Medication Management
The use of multiple medications simultaneously, which increases the risk of drug interactions, adverse effects, and inappropriate prescribing in older adults.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians conduct thorough medication reviews using tools like the Beers Criteria, identify potentially inappropriate medications for older adults, deprescribe unnecessary drugs, simplify regimens, coordinate with pharmacists, and educate patients and caregivers about safe medication use.
Frailty Syndrome
A state of increased vulnerability to stressors due to age-related decline in physiological reserves across multiple organ systems, leading to increased risk of falls, disability, and death.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians assess frailty using validated screening tools, develop personalized exercise and nutrition plans, optimize chronic disease management, recommend protein supplementation when appropriate, and coordinate rehabilitation services to improve strength and resilience.
Osteoporosis and Bone Health
A condition of weakened bones with increased fracture risk, particularly common in postmenopausal women and older adults, often leading to devastating hip, spine, and wrist fractures.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians order and interpret bone density scans, assess fracture risk using FRAX scores, prescribe calcium, vitamin D, and bone-strengthening medications, monitor for medication side effects, and coordinate with endocrinologists for complex cases.
Delirium and Acute Confusion
A sudden change in mental status characterized by confusion, disorientation, and altered consciousness, often triggered by infection, medication, or hospitalization in older adults.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians rapidly identify delirium, investigate underlying causes such as infections or medication effects, implement non-pharmacological interventions, judiciously use medications when necessary for safety, and prevent future episodes through education and proactive management.
Incontinence and Urinary Problems
Loss of bladder control ranging from occasional leakage to complete inability to control urination, affecting quality of life and dignity in older adults.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians evaluate incontinence type through history and examination, review medications that may worsen symptoms, recommend pelvic floor exercises and behavioral strategies, prescribe appropriate medications, and refer to urology or urogynecology when needed.
End-of-Life Care and Palliative Medicine
Specialized medical care focused on comfort, symptom management, and quality of life for patients with serious or terminal illnesses, including advance care planning.
Key Symptoms
Treatment Approach
Geriatricians facilitate advance care planning discussions, help patients and families understand prognosis, manage pain and symptoms, coordinate hospice referrals, support family caregivers, and ensure patient wishes are honored through appropriate documentation.
Important Note
This list represents common conditions but is not exhaustive. Geriatricians treat many other conditions related to their specialty. If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns, consult with a qualified geriatrician for a proper evaluation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a geriatrician.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive medical history review including all current medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs
- Review of previous medical records, hospitalizations, and specialist consultations
- Functional assessment evaluating ability to perform daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating, mobility)
- Cognitive screening using standardized tests like Mini-Mental State Examination or Montreal Cognitive Assessment
- Physical examination including gait and balance assessment, vision, and hearing evaluation
- Discussion of social supports, living situation, and caregiver involvement
- Review of advance directives and healthcare proxy if established
- Initial visit typically lasts 60-90 minutes due to comprehensive nature
Diagnosis & Testing
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): systematic evaluation of medical, functional, cognitive, and psychosocial domains
- Cognitive testing: detailed memory and thinking assessments, possibly including neuropsychological evaluation
- Laboratory tests: complete blood count, metabolic panel, thyroid function, vitamin B12, vitamin D levels
- Falls risk assessment: Timed Up and Go test, balance evaluation, home safety checklist
- Medication review: analysis using Beers Criteria or STOPP/START criteria for inappropriate medications
- Nutritional assessment: weight trends, dietary intake, screening for malnutrition
- Depression screening using Geriatric Depression Scale or PHQ-9
- Bone density scan (DEXA) for osteoporosis evaluation when indicated
Treatment Options
- Development of individualized care plan addressing multiple conditions with prioritized goals
- Medication optimization: deprescribing inappropriate drugs, simplifying regimens, reducing polypharmacy
- Referrals to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy as needed
- Coordination with specialists such as neurologists, cardiologists, and rehabilitation medicine
- Caregiver education and support, including respite care resources
- Home safety recommendations and equipment prescriptions (walkers, grab bars, medical alert systems)
- Advance care planning discussions and documentation of patient preferences
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your geriatrician provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Geriatrician
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a geriatrician.
Credentials to Verify
- Board certification in Geriatric Medicine through ABIM or ABFM
- Completion of an accredited geriatric medicine fellowship (1-2 years)
- Active, unrestricted medical license in your state
- Affiliation with quality healthcare systems or academic medical centers
- Membership in American Geriatrics Society (AGS) demonstrating commitment to the field
- Additional certifications in palliative care or hospice medicine if end-of-life care is needed
Important Considerations
- Experience with your specific health conditions and concerns
- Accessibility and availability for urgent issues or questions
- Communication style and willingness to involve family members in care decisions
- Office accessibility for patients with mobility limitations
- Coordination with your existing primary care doctor and specialists
- Experience with patients in your care setting (home, assisted living, nursing home)
- Availability for home visits if mobility is limited
- Staff trained in working with older adults and their unique needs
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple geriatricians before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a geriatrician can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$200-$400 (comprehensive geriatric assessment)
Follow-up Visit
$100-$200
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Medicare covers geriatric medicine services as part of standard Part B benefits
- Most private insurance plans cover geriatric consultations with standard copays
- Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is covered at 100% with no copay
- Cognitive impairment detection is covered as part of the Medicare wellness visit
- Care coordination services may be covered under Chronic Care Management (CCM) codes
- Advance care planning conversations are now covered by Medicare
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers 80% of approved geriatric medicine services after meeting the annual deductible. The Annual Wellness Visit, including cognitive screening, is covered at 100% with no copay. Chronic Care Management services for patients with multiple chronic conditions are covered at 80%. Advance Care Planning conversations are now a covered Medicare benefit, allowing geriatricians to bill for these important discussions.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your geriatrician is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Geriatrician
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a geriatrician.
How do you approach managing multiple chronic conditions together?
Can you review all my medications and identify any that might be harmful or unnecessary?
What is my risk of falls and what can I do to prevent them?
Should I be concerned about my memory and is testing needed?
How do you coordinate care with my other doctors and specialists?
What screening tests are appropriate for someone my age?
Can we discuss advance care planning and what my options are?
What resources are available to support my family caregivers?
Do you make home visits if I become unable to travel to your office?
How do I contact you or your team if I have urgent concerns between visits?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Know when symptoms require immediate attention versus a scheduled appointment.
While most conditions can wait for a scheduled appointment with a geriatrician, certain symptoms require immediate emergency care. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience:
- Sudden confusion or significant change in mental status - may indicate stroke, infection, or medication toxicity
- Fall with head injury, loss of consciousness, or inability to get up - risk of serious injury especially if on blood thinners
- Chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeat - may indicate heart attack or other cardiac emergency
- Signs of stroke: sudden weakness, facial drooping, speech difficulty, vision changes - call 911 immediately
- High fever in an elderly person - infections can progress rapidly and present atypically
- Severe abdominal pain or bloody stool - older adults may have muted symptoms of serious conditions
- New or worsening difficulty breathing - may indicate pneumonia, heart failure, or pulmonary embolism
- Sudden severe headache unlike previous headaches - may indicate stroke or bleeding in the brain
EMERGENCY
Call 911 or nearest ER
URGENT
Doctor or urgent care
NON-URGENT
Regular appointment
Geriatrician vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs.
Geriatrician vs. Internal Medicine Doctor
Both geriatricians and internists provide comprehensive adult medical care. However, geriatricians have additional fellowship training specifically in elderly care, making them experts in age-related syndromes, polypharmacy management, and complex care coordination. Internists treat adults of all ages, while geriatricians focus exclusively on older adults with complex medical and social needs.
Geriatrician vs. Neurologist
Neurologists specialize in disorders of the brain and nervous system, including stroke and dementia. Geriatricians manage the whole patient including dementia as one of many conditions. For complex dementia cases, they often work together - the neurologist provides specialized diagnostic testing and treatment, while the geriatrician manages overall health, medications, and care coordination.
Geriatrician vs. Palliative Care Specialist
Palliative care specialists focus on symptom management and quality of life for patients with serious illnesses at any age. Geriatricians provide comprehensive care for older adults including but not limited to end-of-life care. Many geriatricians have palliative care training and can provide this care, but for complex symptom management in serious illness, a dedicated palliative care specialist may be consulted.
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about geriatricians is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and authoritative organizations.
Last updated: March 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about geriatricians
What is the difference between a geriatrician and a primary care doctor?
While both provide comprehensive medical care, geriatricians have additional fellowship training specifically focused on the complex needs of older adults. They are experts in managing multiple chronic conditions simultaneously, recognizing atypical disease presentations in the elderly, safely managing polypharmacy, and addressing age-specific syndromes like frailty, falls, and cognitive decline. A geriatrician may serve as a primary care doctor for older adults or work as a consultant alongside existing primary care physicians.
At what age should someone see a geriatrician?
There is no strict age cutoff, but geriatricians typically see patients 65 years and older. However, the decision to see a geriatrician is based more on health complexity than age alone. Consider seeing a geriatrician if you have multiple chronic conditions, take many medications, have experienced cognitive changes, have had falls, or face complex medical decisions. Some younger patients with premature aging conditions or multiple comorbidities may also benefit from geriatric expertise.
How can a geriatrician help with dementia care?
Geriatricians are extensively trained in diagnosing and managing all types of dementia. They conduct comprehensive cognitive assessments, differentiate between dementia types, prescribe appropriate medications to slow progression and manage behavioral symptoms, address caregiver burden and support, coordinate with neurologists and social workers, and guide families through disease progression, care transitions, and end-of-life planning. They take a holistic approach considering how dementia affects and is affected by other medical conditions.
What is polypharmacy and why is it a concern?
Polypharmacy refers to taking multiple medications simultaneously, typically five or more. It is a major concern in older adults because aging changes how the body processes drugs, increasing the risk of side effects and drug interactions. Common problems include falls, confusion, kidney problems, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Geriatricians are experts at reviewing all medications, identifying potentially inappropriate drugs for older adults using criteria like the Beers Criteria, and safely deprescribing unnecessary medications while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Can a geriatrician help with advance care planning?
Yes, advance care planning is a core component of geriatric medicine. Geriatricians are trained to facilitate conversations about patients' values, preferences, and goals for medical care, especially regarding serious illness and end-of-life situations. They help patients complete advance directives, designate healthcare proxies, and ensure these wishes are documented and communicated to family members and other healthcare providers. These conversations are now covered by Medicare and are considered essential preventive care for older adults.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards