GP income in relation to workload in deprived urban areas in the Netherlands

Background: General practitioner workload is higher in deprived urban areas and for the elderly. This led to the introduction of additional GP payment s regarding these patients, in the UK and in the Netherlands. This study ex amines whether this has resulted in more equal payment for work done in the Netherlands. Methods: GP workload and income have been assessed on the bas is of a survey among 1154 GPs (response: 62%). Results: suggest that total Gl? income is still lower in deprived areas, but per hour and per patient c ontact the additional payments gave equity. Conclusion: It is thus conclude d that Dutch deprivation payments effectively compensate GPs in deprived ar eas for their higher workload.