I have a new idea based on my experience with a new tool that I would like to add in to the fray. The tool I refer to is a smartpen and I have just written a short blog on it.
http://www.pracsoftutilities.com/Blog/tabid/59/Default.aspx

This tool is incredible.
Digitizer pen with audio timeline linked to the written word. Hard to describe how useful it really is.

>My concern would be that less patients each day are able to benefit
> from your excellent care, with repercussions for ‘access’ as a whole > in the community

I have not entered into any contract with the government or the community to provide care to all those who may seek it from me. If there are too few GPs in Australia for the needs of the population, this is not my doing. I am not convinced that there are too few GPs in Australia and would be happy to debate and/or discuss this question in another thread.

> , and possibly for practice revenue.

Oh, I am certainly earning less than I would if my standard appointment interval was 15, 12 or 10 minutes – no doubt about it. The fact that I earn less by spending longer with each patient to provide what I hope and believe is more of the care that they really need and deserve is not my doing, but is largely a result of the structure of the Medicare Benefits Schedule. If GPs were rewarded for actual health outcomes, efficiency, avoidance of waste (including patients’ time and money, time off work to see the doctor, unnecessary duplication of tests, finding the cheapest medication that does the job, reduced hospitalisation, etc.), I would expect to earn as well or better than most of those whose standard appointment intervals are shorter than mine. I am not prepared to compromise the standard of care that I provide any more than I am currently forced to do by the MBS and the current health system, so I (reluctantly) accept the lower income that results from this.

I have found that making my standard appointment interval 30 minutes allows me to do the MaxPacking which I agree has many benefits and efficiencies, and I also have no need to “book some ‘blockers’

Thanks for your comment Oliver.
I’m sure that is an excellent strategy in many circumstances.
L. Gordon Moore in the USA advocates that approach very strongly, and he refers to the ‘IDEAL’ medical practice providing excellent care to a smaller cohort of patients.

The Ideal Medical Practice Model Article from AAFP
Ideal Medical Home Website
Ideal Medical Practices Collaborative Group

My concern would be that less patients each day are able to benefit from your excellent care, with repercussions for ‘access’ as a whole in the community, and possibly for practice revenue.
Cheers,
Tony

(Editor’s Note – Thanks Andrew, that sounds ‘enlightened’. I’ve added your comment to the main body of the article. TL)