The Changing Styles of GP Careers

Being a GP is a career that’s of late come under attack, and we at nowmedical feel that there’s probably a general lack of understanding and appreciation for the role of the modern GP, as well as a lack of awareness of how the modern GP, as we know it, really came to be

Let’s take a look at how GPs organise themselves as businesses.

GP Partnerships - the Original Business Model

GP partnerships have been around for many years, with the original model consisting of 2-6 partners and some assistants. This model has been successful in providing quality healthcare services to patients However, it is now facing challenges due to the increasing demand for more specialised services and the need for greater efficiency As a result, new models of GP partnerships are emerging that involve larger teams of specialists and assistants who can provide more comprehensive care

Downsides Of GP Partnerships

GP partnerships have been a popular way for GPs to practice medicine for many years However, there are some downsides to this type of arrangement that should be considered before entering into a partnership

GP partnerships can be inflexible, with partners having to agree on decisions and often having to work together in the same building This can lead to disagreements and tension between

partners Additionally, there is often a lot of administrative work involved in running a partnership, such as keeping records and filing taxes. Finally, many partnerships require the purchase and maintenance of a building which can be costly and time-consuming

GPs Are Not NHS Employees

GPs are not NHS employees, but they do take on NHS contracts to provide certain services. This means that they are not employed by the NHS but instead work for private companies that have been contracted by the NHS to provide specific services GPs can provide a range of services such as diagnosing and treating illnesses, prescribing medication and providing advice on health matters They also play an important role in helping to reduce waiting times for patients who need medical attention By taking on NHS contracts, GPs can help ensure that patients receive the care they need in a timely manner.

GPs Are Self-Employed

GPs are self-employed for tax purposes, meaning they are not subject to PAYE (Pay As You Earn) taxation. This means that GPs have more flexibility in the payment of their taxes, and can take advantage of certain tax reliefs and allowances.

GPs also, therefore, have the considerable added responsibility of managing their own finances, including filing their own tax returns and keeping up with any changes in legislation. This can be a daunting task for some, but it is important for GPs to understand the rules and regulations surrounding self-employment so that they can make sure they are paying the right amount of taxes.

Original GP Contracts

The General Medical Services (GMS) contract was the original contract between the NHS and general practitioners in England. It was introduced in 1948 and provided a framework for GPs to provide services to their patients Over time, the GMS contract evolved into the Personal Medical Services (PMS) contract, which allowed for more flexibility and customization of services. PMS contracts are now used by many GP practices across England, allowing them to tailor their services to meet the needs of their local population

Newer Models

In the current healthcare landscape, newer models of practice are emerging that involve taking control of groups of practices in a given area. This model is beneficial for both the practices and the patients as it allows for economies of scale, such as centralised and reduced admin costs It also allows for better coordination between different practices, leading to improved patient care. Furthermore, this model can help to reduce costs associated with running multiple practices in a given area

Privatisation Offers Opportunities

Privatisation of public services can offer a range of opportunities for private companies to run practices more efficiently and effectively For example, private companies can use their

expertise in areas such as cost-cutting, streamlining processes and improving customer service to make sure that the services they provide are of the highest quality.

Furthermore, privatisation also offers certain opportunities for innovation Private companies can use their resources to develop new products and services that may not have been possible under public ownership This could lead to improved customer satisfaction and increased efficiency gains

Many GPs Also Now Operate In Portfolio Mode

In recent years, many GPs have adopted a portfolio approach to their work. This means that they are taking on a variety of roles, such as GP, occupational medicine, medical advisory and other work rather than exclusively focusing on one area. This approach has enabled GPs to diversify their skillset and provide more comprehensive care for their patients It also allows them to take on additional roles that may be more suited to their interests or expertise By taking on multiple roles, GPs can ensure that they are providing the best possible care for their patients while also expanding their own knowledge and experience

Many GPs Now Undertake Locum Work Only

With the increasing demand for GPs, many are now choosing to undertake locum work only This allows them to achieve their desired hours of work and minimise administrative duties. Locum work also provides GPs with the flexibility to choose when and where they want to work, allowing them to balance their professional and personal commitments

By taking on locum work, GPs can benefit from a variety of opportunities that may not be available in a traditional practice setting They can gain experience in different areas of medicine, as well as develop new skills and knowledge that will help them in their career. Furthermore, locum work can provide financial stability for GPs who may not have access to other sources of income

Concluding Thoughts

Will our modern GPs survive this current push towards privatisation, or is the deed already done and is this tide too strong to swim against?

It seems likely that there will be another evolution of GPs contracts and surgeries, and while we may not be able to say for certain yet what that will look like, you can be sure we’ll be analysing and writing about it. Written

Sources of information:

Londonwide LMCs (support organisation for GPs) - https://wwwlmc org uk/

Pulse (magazine for GPs) - https://wwwpulsetodayco uk/