Female GPs spent longer (average 20.2 minutes) with their patients compared with male GPs (average 16.7 minutes). This might be explained by the types of consultations often conducted by female GPs. For example, female GPs report higher proportions of consultations with a mental health component, which are typically complex consultations requiring more time.5
Consultations in very remote parts of Australia (average 23.8 minutes for MM7) were considerably longer than in major cities (average 18.5 minutes for MM1) and all other categories of remoteness. This is consistent with previous survey results and may be reflective of the continued lack of access to non-GP medical specialists in these areas. It could also indicate the higher complexity health needs for patients in these regions, as well as patients ‘bundling’ multiple health concerns and addressing these concerns in the one appointment with their GP. GPs in remote areas often have additional skills to meet the needs of their community and tend to do more procedural work to compensate for lack of access.