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.
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- 1. Van Weel C, Del Mar CB. How should GPs be paid? Med J Aust 2004; 181: 98-99. <MJA full text>
- 2. Malcolm LA. How general practice is funded in New Zealand. Med J Aust 2004; 181: 106-107. <MJA full text>
- 3. Weller DP, Maynard A. How general practice is funded in the United Kingdom. Med J Aust 2004; 181: 109-110. <MJA full text>
- 4. Van Weel C. How general practice is funded in The Netherlands. Med J Aust 2004; 181: 110-111. <MJA full text>
- 5. Martin CM, Hogg WE. How family physicians are funded in Canada. Med J Aust 2004; 181: 111-112. <MJA full text>
- 6. Green LA. How family physicians are funded in the United States. Med J Aust 2004; 181: 113-114. <MJA full text>
- 7. Starfield B. Primary care: balancing health needs, services and technology. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988.
Academic family medicine in Canada pays better than in Australia.