[Is there a typical general practitioner?]

A random sample of 300 unbiased consultations on the premises of six Swiss general practitioners was analysed. In this article the results of the 'hard facts' (from patient questionnaires and the physicians tape-recorded consultation's essentials) are referred. The consultation length (average 16.5 min.) was underestimated by doctor and patient in 64% and 41% respectively. 81% of the patients saw us as their 'family doctor'. This term, however, is badly defined. Previous visits at home had taken place in 26 to 54% of all cases. Full patient satisfaction with the consultation was found in 80 to 90%, and the patients attested an optimal emotional approach. Also the financial aspects are mentioned. The authors are impressed by the finding of significant inter-doctor differences of important physician's practice patterns.