Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd

Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd

Home > Our Publications > Australian Outlook> 2006 > June

GP numbers fall

THE proportion of solo practices across Australia has more than halved in the past 14 years, according to a snapshot of general practice reported in the newspaper Australian Doctor.
It showed that the proportion in 2004-05 had dropped to just over 12 per cent compared to 25.5 per cent in 1990-91.
One explanation for the fall, the newspaper said, was rising practice costs, "forcing GPs to hand over the business of running a practice to larger concerns so they could instead concentrate on medicine".
The latest figures are further evidence that general practice as an independent entity is being replaced by larger primary care facilities.
This change has been driven by a range of factors, from financial pressures and the increasing complexity of running small businesses to fewer doctors available and the increased expectations of patients.
Dr Peter Stratmann points out that there is "always" a tension between quality care and costs.
As managing director (and a founder) of Medical One - a company that provides the structure and support services for GPs and other medical providers - he says that doctors and patients today need a support team with all the skills found in small and medium sized businesses.
Although the centres that Medical One has developed around Melbourne are primarily general practices, medical specialists, paramedical providers, diagnostic and pharmaceutical services are also provided. Local centres also employ practice managers, receptionists and a practice nurse.