Apart from Medicare, what other work do GPs do?

BACKGROUND

Although Australian general practitioners are increasingly being encouraged to perform more non-Medicare funded work, little is known about the its extent or nature.

METHOD

A cross sectional survey was sent to all 2107 potential GPs in Western Australia.

RESULTS

The response rate was 480/1807 (27%). Nearly all GPs (95%) performed paid or unpaid non-Medicare work; 83% cared with non-Medicare payment for patients, averaging 6.5 hours per week. Paid nonpatient work (an average 4.3 hours per week, undertaken by 41% of GPs) was for divisions, teaching and research. Unpaid work was approximately 3.7 hours per week for patients, (mostly informal consultations and voluntary work) and 1.9 hours per week for nonpatient related activities (principally research, meetings and teaching). Overall GPs were satisfied with their job but were dissatisfied with government intrusion. The type and amount of non-Medicare funded work performed was not related to job satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

General practitioners are involved in non-Medicare funded work to the extent of an average of 9.5 hours per week, including teaching, research and divisional activities.