title: The elderly as underconsulters: a critical reappraisal.
abstract: This paper reconsiders the evidence for underconsultation among the elderly. Earlier evidence from studies of unreported illness is reassessed and new data are presented for the ratio of self-reported illness to number of consultations. It is concluded that underconsultation among the elderly is exaggerated and that there are implications for screening and case-finding. It is suggested that attention should be directed towards a combination of self-referral and multi-tiered screening for low contact and high risk groups.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012606:Scotland