Use of Professional Time by Internists and General Practitioners in Group and Solo Practice

The professional activities of 20 randomly-selected internists and general practitioners, in both group and solo practice in San Diego, Calif., were observed for 1 week in order to determine how they allocated their professional time. Time allocation varied markedly from one physician to another and was related both to specialty and type of practice. Most professional time was spent in direct patient contact (61.6%) and in other activities related to patient care (20.2%). The average physician spent only 14 min (3.1%) during the working day on all activities related to continuing education. General practitioners not only saw more patients but also spent less time in referring these patients to other physicians and in continuing education than did those practicing internal medicine. The data also suggest that those physicians who spend the most time in direct contact with patients also devote more time to the supervision of other health professionals.