AbstractSeventy‐seven randomly selected elderly patients in a primary care internal medicine practice were assessed and rated by their internists for the presence and severity of depression. Management recommendations were recorded by internists in each case. On the same day, the patients were interviewed and scored using the SHORT‐CARE Instrument, which includes a scale of depression. A chart review a year and a half later was made to demonstrate compliance with the internists' recommendations. Results showed that internists were quite skilled at recognizing depression and responded with specific management plans, but did not follow through with their own plans for counselling of patients or referral of patients to mental health practition