What’s happening in general practice – a contrasting view

Abstract

A contrasting view to that taken by Kevin White (2001) in his paper ‘What’s happening in general practice: capitalist monopolisation and state administrative control: a profession bailing out?’ is provided. This alternate view argues that there may be limited change in some of the key elements of general practice and that the information explosion may provide new leverage for general practice. It suggests that corporations providing management or administrative services in general practice may continue to be part of the landscape, rather than the landscape. The paper suggests in conclusion that consumers may need to be more aware of the role of government in constraining their health care choices than of corporations in the general practice field.

Key Words:

• Consumers
• corporatisation
• general practice
• incentives
• profession