title: An explanation for the difference in general practitioner consultation rates between GMS and non-GMS patients.
abstract: This study compares annual consultation rates between 3,111 General Medical Services and private patients, and their family doctors in three large general practices in Dublin. Visiting rates were substantially different between practices and between GMS and private patients. However, GMS patients were older and had 50% more chronic illnesses. When the effects of age and illness were controlled in a multiple regression model, GMS status accounted for less than 5% of the variation in visiting rates. GMS patients consult their practitioners in proportion to their medical need.
authors.affiliation: Eastern Health Board, Community Care Area 6, Dublin.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Flynn
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: O'Kelly
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Doherty
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Caroll
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011331:Private Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*