An outpatient geriatric evaluation and management programme was more effective than usual care in preventing functional decline in high risk older adults.

Patients 568 patients (mean age 79 y, 56% men, 96% white) who were >70 years of age, community dwelling, fee for service Medicare beneficiaries, and at high risk for hospital admission and functional decline. Exclusion criteria included residence in a nursing home, illness requiring frequent physician visits, and communication barriers. Study participants (96%) or their proxies (4%) completed 97% of follow up interviews.