Empirically derived weights for GMS capitation payments to General Practitioners

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Date
2017-01-18
Authors
McElroy, Brendan
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Springer Verlag
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Abstract
Aim: Unlike other weighted capitation schemes used in Irish health service financing and in health systems internationally, the GMS capitation payments scheme for General Practitioners lacks transparency in both the data used and the model employed. In this study, evidence-based weights were generated and compared to current payment weights. Methods: Four datasets on GP utilisation were interrogated. Results: Evidence-based weights indicated that over 70s had higher payments per consultation than other groups. Considerable intra-age band differences in capitation payment were detected. Discussion and conclusion: The results suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive review of the current payments system. Current age bands should be narrowed. The implications for the efficiency and equity of general practice in Ireland are discussed.
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Keywords
Weighted capitation , General Medical Services Scheme , General practice , Health care financing
Citation
McElroy, B. (2017) 'Empirically derived weights for GMS capitation payments to General Practitioners', Irish Journal of Medical Science, 186(2), pp. 471-476. doi: 10.1007/s11845-016-1548-x
Copyright
© Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland 2017. Published by Springer Verlag. This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Irish Journal of Medical Science. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.1007/s11845-016-1548-x