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editorial
. 2001 May 26;322(7297):1257–1258. doi: 10.1136/bmj.322.7297.1257
Old rules New rules
Patient often doesn't see own doctor Patient nearly always sees own doctor
Patient comes cold to consultation Patient is helped to prepare for visit
Appointment slots filled weeks ahead Most slots open at start of each day
See a single patient Group visits
Face to face care Email, phone, fax, and web
Demand is patient driven Demand can be shaped by doctors
More capacity needs more resources Capacity increased by reducing waste, improving efficiency