title: Empirically derived weights for GMS capitation payments to General Practitioners.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Unlike other weighted capitation schemes used in Irish health service financing and in health systems internationally, the GMS capitation payments scheme for General Practitioners lacks transparency in both the data used and the model employed. In this study, evidence-based weights were generated and compared to current payment weights.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four datasets on GP utilisation were interrogated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Evidence-based weights indicated that over 70s had higher payments per consultation than other groups. Considerable intra-age band differences in capitation payment were detected.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive review of the current payments system. Current age bands should be narrowed. The implications for the efficiency and equity of general practice in Ireland are discussed.
authors.affiliation: School of Economics, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, Ireland. b.mcelroy@ucc.ie.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: McElroy
mesh_terms: D002204:Capitation Fee; D058006:General Practice / Q000191:economics*; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000191:economics*; D005102:Health Expenditures; D006296:Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics*
keywords: General Medical Services Scheme; General practice; Health care financing; Weighted capitation