ABSTRACT
One of the most commonly heard phrases in any general practice is: 'the appointment system is not working'. It is salutary to reflect on some of the phrases that are used by receptionists and their impact on the patients who are seeking to arrange health care from their GP. They include: 'there are no appointments left', 'we are fully booked'. Detailed planning has now succeeded in bringing the GP and the patient together. Consultation is the basic process of general practice. The development of practice guidelines has become so popular that some people speak of standard mania. Health gain is being promoted by a DoH initiative as an outcome measure for episodes of care, and this provides a unique opportunity to educate both GPs and consultants in creating joint guidelines in management. All practices can influence the health gain targets, via the local medical committee and FHSA and directly.
