GP payment: not just how, but how much

To the Editor: The articles in the General Practice issue are most interesting. Sadly, the articles on how general practitioners are paid1-6 have largely missed the point. It is not only how GPs are paid, but also how much that matters. No matter how ideal the incentive incorporated in the payment method may be, if the quantum is too little even the most idealistic GP will find it impossible to work in a professional manner. Payment here includes both direct personal income and the associated practice conditions.