The Age/Sex Register: estimation of the practice population.

Determination of the number of patients served by a family practice is important for health services delivery and research. A sound estimate of the practice population should enhance the patient management responsibilities of the family physician. This methodology uses the Age/Sex Register to provide a series of estimations of a "teaching" unit population. Results of a sample survey indicate that 21.3% of "inactive patients" (those who have not received services from the practice in two years) still consider themselves under the care of the practice. Replication of this approach is suggested for other practices to improve planning and resource allocation.