As the population of older adults in the United States continues to grow, the demand for specialized healthcare professionals, particularly geriatricians, has never been higher. Geriatricians are physicians with advanced training in addressing the complex medical and social needs of individuals aged 65 and older. These specialists focus on managing chronic conditions, promoting independence, and improving quality of life for seniors. However, identifying the top geriatricians in the USA is challenging due to the lack of a universally accepted ranking system based on patient outcomes, expertise, or peer recognition. Instead, this article highlights ten leading geriatricians based on their contributions to the field, academic leadership, clinical excellence, and affiliations with top-ranked hospitals for geriatrics, as recognized by sources like U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, we address the topic of pricing for geriatric care, though specific costs for individual physicians are rarely publicly disclosed. External links are provided for further exploration.
The Role of Geriatricians
Geriatricians are uniquely trained to manage the multifaceted health challenges faced by older adults, including polypharmacy, cognitive decline, mobility issues, and frailty. With the U.S. population aged 65 and older projected to increase by 55% by 2030, the shortage of geriatricians—down from 10,270 in 2000 to 8,502 in 2010—poses a significant challenge. This scarcity underscores the importance of recognizing those who excel in this field. Below, we profile ten geriatricians who stand out for their expertise and impact.
Top 10 Geriatricians in the USA
1. Dr. John W. Rowe – Columbia University, New York, NY
Dr. John W. Rowe, affiliated with the Columbia Aging Center and the Department of Health Policy and Management at Columbia University, is a global leader in geriatric medicine. He has played a pivotal role in defining the competencies and roles of geriatricians, as outlined in a 2024 publication by The Lancet Healthy Longevity. His work emphasizes person-centered care and age-friendly health systems. Dr. Rowe’s leadership in the Research Network on an Aging Society has advanced geriatric care standards. He practices at Mount Sinai Hospital, ranked #1 for geriatrics by U.S. News & World Report.
Pricing: Specific consultation fees for Dr. Rowe are not publicly available. At Mount Sinai, geriatric assessments may range from $200 to $500, depending on insurance and complexity, but costs vary widely.
External Link: Mount Sinai Geriatrics
2. Dr. Matteo Cesari – World Health Organization, Geneva (U.S. Affiliated)
Dr. Matteo Cesari, though based at the WHO, maintains strong ties to U.S. institutions and co-authored the seminal 2024 paper on geriatrician competencies. His expertise in frailty and preventive care has influenced geriatric training programs across the U.S. Cesari’s work focuses on integrating geriatric care into primary care systems, making him a thought leader in addressing the geriatrician shortage.
Pricing: As Dr. Cesari primarily works in research and policy, direct patient consultation fees are not applicable. U.S.-based consultations with similar experts may cost $150–$400 per visit.
External Link: World Health Organization Ageing
3. Dr. Louise Aronson – UCSF Health, San Francisco, CA
Dr. Louise Aronson, a professor at UCSF Health’s Center for Geriatric Care, is renowned for her clinical work and advocacy for older adults. UCSF Medical Center ranks among the top hospitals for geriatrics, and Aronson’s book, Elderhood, has reshaped public understanding of aging. Her practice emphasizes dementia care and home-based services for seniors.
Pricing: UCSF geriatric consultations typically range from $250 to $600, depending on the service (e.g., primary care vs. dementia evaluation). Insurance often covers part of these costs.
External Link: UCSF Center for Geriatric Care
4. Dr. Sharon Brangman – Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY
Dr. Sharon Brangman is a leading geriatrician and past president of the American Geriatrics Society. Her work at Upstate Medical University focuses on Alzheimer’s disease and minority aging populations. Brangman’s contributions to geriatric education have trained countless physicians, addressing the shortage of geriatricians.
Pricing: Geriatric consultations at Upstate Medical University may cost $100–$300, with variations based on insurance and visit type.
External Link: Upstate Geriatrics
5. Dr. Kenneth Madden – University of British Columbia (U.S. Affiliated), Vancouver, Canada
Dr. Kenneth Madden, while based in Canada, collaborates extensively with U.S. institutions and co-authored the 2024 Lancet paper on geriatrician roles. His research on mobility and cardiovascular health in older adults informs U.S. geriatric practices. Madden’s work is particularly relevant for cross-border healthcare initiatives.
Pricing: U.S.-based consultations with similar specialists may range from $200 to $450. Specific fees for Madden’s services are not available.
External Link: American Geriatrics Society
6. Dr. Steven R. Counsell – Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
Dr. Steven R. Counsell developed the GRACE (Geriatric Resources for Assessment and Care of Elders) model, a cost-effective intervention improving outcomes for low-income seniors. His work at Indiana University has set a benchmark for community-based geriatric care, with an estimated cost of $1,260 per patient per year for GRACE services.
Pricing: GRACE program costs are approximately $105 per patient per month. Standard consultations may range from $150 to $350.
External Link: Indiana University Geriatrics
7. Dr. Paula E. Lester – NYU Langone Health, New York, NY
Dr. Paula E. Lester, affiliated with NYU Langone (ranked highly for geriatrics), specializes in medication management and polypharmacy reduction. Her research on geriatric workforce shortages highlights the need for more trained geriatricians. Lester’s practice integrates telehealth for accessibility.
Pricing: NYU Langone geriatric visits may cost $200–$500, with telehealth options potentially reducing costs.
External Link: NYU Langone Geriatrics
8. Dr. Thomas T. Perls – Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
Dr. Thomas T. Perls, a geriatrician and longevity expert, leads the New England Centenarian Study. His work at Boston Medical Center focuses on healthy aging and genetic factors in longevity. Perls is recognized for his patient-centered approach to complex geriatric cases.
Pricing: Geriatric consultations at Boston Medical Center typically range from $150 to $400, depending on the complexity.
External Link: Boston Medical Center Geriatrics
9. Dr. Namirah Jamshed – UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Dr. Namirah Jamshed at UT Southwestern specializes in preventive care and managing chronic conditions in older adults. Her leadership in geriatric education and interprofessional care models has elevated UT Southwestern’s geriatrics program.
Pricing: Consultations at UT Southwestern may cost $200–$450, with variations based on insurance.
External Link: UT Southwestern Geriatrics
10. Dr. Sonja Rosen – Cedars-Sinai, Los Angeles, CA
Dr. Sonja Rosen, chief of geriatrics at Cedars-Sinai, focuses on age-friendly care and fall prevention. Cedars-Sinai’s geriatrics program is nationally recognized, and Rosen’s work integrates social and psychological support for seniors.
Pricing: Geriatric consultations at Cedars-Sinai may range from $250 to $600, depending on the service.
External Link: Cedars-Sinai Geriatrics
Pricing Considerations for Geriatric Care
The cost of seeing a geriatrician varies widely based on location, insurance coverage, and the complexity of care. On average, a geriatric consultation in the U.S. ranges from $100 to $600 per visit, with specialized assessments (e.g., dementia evaluations) costing more. For example, the GRACE program, led by Dr. Counsell, costs $1,260 annually per patient, demonstrating a cost-effective model for comprehensive care. Medicare often covers a significant portion of geriatric services, but out-of-pocket costs can still be substantial for uninsured patients or those requiring extensive care. Salaries for geriatricians, averaging $210,898 to $236,615 annually, reflect the specialized nature of their work but also highlight why fees may be high. For precise pricing, patients should contact the physician’s office or hospital directly, as individual fees are rarely publicized.
Challenges in Identifying Top Geriatricians
Ranking geriatricians is inherently subjective due to the diversity of their roles—some focus on clinical practice, others on research or policy. The shortage of geriatricians, with only 7,300 in the U.S. for a growing senior population, complicates access to top-tier care. Additionally, financial relationships with the healthcare industry, as noted in a 2023 study where 61.1% of geriatricians received industry payments, raise questions about conflicts of interest, though most payments were for research. Patients seeking the best geriatricians should prioritize those affiliated with top-ranked hospitals like Mount Sinai, UCSF, or NYU Langone and verify credentials through organizations like the American Geriatrics Society.
Conclusion
Geriatricians play a critical role in addressing the complex needs of older adults, and the ten professionals listed here represent the pinnacle of expertise in the U.S. From Dr. John W. Rowe’s policy leadership to Dr. Sonja Rosen’s clinical innovations, these geriatricians are shaping the future of aging care. While costs for geriatric services vary, patients can expect to pay $100–$600 per visit, with comprehensive programs like GRACE offering cost-effective alternatives. For those seeking top geriatricians, exploring hospital affiliations and professional organizations is key. The external links provided offer pathways to connect with these experts and their institutions, ensuring access to high-quality geriatric care.
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