Corporatisation of general practice — Impact and implications

Abstract

In Australia, general practice is largely private, ranging from small sole traders through to large partnerships comprising six or more practitioners. Over time, a number of corporate practices, which are registered under the Corporations Act 2001, have emerged on the Australian health care landscape. The corporate model also varies in size, depending on location (urban, rural) and types of services provided by the company. This review examines the impact and implications of corporatisation of general practice in Australia in terms of market competition, quality of care, patient outcomes, costs of care, and the health care workforce.