title: The divisional alternative.
abstract: GPs working together in groups, with a corporate body providing the organisational framework, is an inevitable outcome of healthcare system changes. Divisions of General Practice--regional corporations owned and operated solely by local GPs--should be seen as the logical alternative to the non-regional, for-profit, often publicly listed corporations. The divisional model combines economies of scale and organisation with clinical and practice autonomy and a regional focus, as well as an emphasis on patient values, quality of care, and equity of access. The Hunter Urban Division of General Practice is exploring the possibility of a Division-based general practice cooperative.
authors.affiliation: Hunter Urban Division of General Practice, Newcastle, NSW. drarn@hudgp.org.au
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sprogis
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D005194:Family Practice / Q000639:trends*; D005544:Forecasting; D006123:Group Practice / Q000639:trends*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D010819:Physician's Role; D011362:Professional Corporations / Q000639:trends*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000639:trends