How Many Patients Do General Practitioners Have?

The number of patients that a general practitioner (GP) sees can vary widely depending on a range of factors. These include the size of the practice, the location, and the healthcare system in place. On average, a GP might have between 1,000 to 2,500 active patients. However, this can fluctuate based on retention rates, turnover, and the range of services offered by the practice.

Factors Affecting Patient Panels

In some countries, such as the UK, GPs might see around 20 to 30 patients per day, depending on their schedule and the complexity of the cases they handle. Nevertheless, the total number of patients can vary based on various factors. Patients come and go due to moving, changing insurance, or simply not liking the GP. Many doctors allow their patient panels to stabilize as they approach retirement by not accepting new patients.

Typical Panel Sizes

A standard general practice with a typical panel size of around 1,200 patients would be considered low, while a panel of 3,000 would be considered high. In the organization where we work, the average panel size is around 1,800 patients, although this can vary significantly due to the high standard deviation.

Concierge physicians typically limit their patient panels to a much smaller number, generally no more than 600 to 700 patients. This approach ensures that each patient receives more personalized care. However, it’s not uncommon for patient panels to increase substantially by simply allowing more new patients to join, given the high demand for primary care services.

Global Perspectives

Panel sizes for GPs can vary significantly across different countries and regions. In the UK, for instance, GPs commonly care for between 2,200 and 2,800 patients per full-time equivalent (FTE) doctor. In New Zealand, panel sizes are usually between 1,000 and 1,500 patients, with appointments typically lasting 15 minutes. If the number of patients exceeds 1,500, the service tends to degrade, and patients often switch to other practices. Some practices, however, exploit patients and serve much larger panels.

The optimum number of patients for a GP is often debated. The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) recommends 1,250 patients per FTE to balance between a reasonable income and an excellent service. The challenge lies in being busy enough to engage in clinically useful work throughout the day but not so busy that patients cannot receive care promptly.

Financial Considerations

Running a general practice is not just about the number of patients; it also involves managing fixed costs such as rent and staffing. Smaller patient panels can lead to financial struggles, as revenue from consultations needs to cover these costs. Typically, a doctor starts to make a living when they have around 500 patients. Beyond this, more patients can help cover fixed costs and provide a better income.

Conclusion

While there is no single, definitive answer to how many patients a general practitioner should have, it is generally accepted that between 1,000 to 3,000 patients per FTE is a reasonable range. This number must balance between a sustainable income and the quality of care provided. For optimal performance and patient satisfaction, general practitioners should strive to maintain a panel size that keeps them busy enough but still accessible to their patients.