Compensation for general practitioners: what's their typical income?
Title: The Real Earnings of French General Practitioners: A Breakdown of Their Income
© joyfotoliakid/Adobe Stock By Charlotte Rousset & Léa Boluze Updated on September 29, 2022
Contents
- What's the incomes of liberal general practitioners in France?
- Per Month and Per Year: Average Net Salary of a GP
- Bonuses for General Practitioners
- Variances in Income Based on Doctor's Sector Choice
Healthcare professionals remain a scarce commodity in France, with nearly 6 million French residents yet to have a primary care physician[1]. To combat this, a €30 consultation fee was implemented for general practitioners, down from the previous €26.50, in an effort to boost the appeal of the white coat[1]. But how much do these GPs truly earn?
What's the incomes of liberal general practitioners in France?
A study by the Directorate of Research, Studies, Evaluation and Statistics (Drees) delved into the earnings of self-employed doctors between 2017 and 2021, offering valuable insights[2]. Approximately 58% of doctors practice either independently, in health centers, or outpatient clinics, making this perspective representative and valid[2].
Per Month and Per Year: Average Net Salary of a GP
In 2021, the nearly 52,000 general practitioners nationwide took home an average annual net income of €93,500, or approximately €7,800 per month[2]. This sum represents fees received after deducting charges such as rent, equipment, and contributions[2]. Nevertheless, the average serves as a benchmark, as significant discrepancies exist among practitioners.
For example, the lowest 10% earned no more than €39,500 yearly, while the highest 10% grossed over €168,000[2]. Factors contributing to these differences include location, number of patients, and seniority level[2].
Bonuses for General Practitioners
A GP's income isn't confined to consultation fees. Among additional remuneration, the Patient-Doctor Reference Fee (FPMT) is paid for each patient assigned to the practitioner annually[2]. The more patients a doctor has, the more FPMT bonuses they accumulate.
Another bonus contributor is the Public Health Performance Remuneration (ROSP), which encourages GPs to focus on chronic disease management, appropriate prescribing, and prevention practices[2]. The ROSP in 2021 averaged around €4,890 per year[2].
Structural Fees are additional bonuses granted for technologically advanced medical practices, such as prescription aid software, tele-services, and secure messaging[2]. These enhancements can result in up to an additional €6,200 annually for forward-thinking doctors[2].
Variances in Income Based on Doctor's Sector Choice
When discussing a doctor's income, the conventional sector plays a significant role[2]. Over 95% of general practitioners practice in Sector 1, with a minority making up Sector 2[2]. Although Sector 2 allows for fee excesses, a GP in Sector 1 can still earn slightly more, with an average income of €94,000 net per year, compared to their Sector 2 counterparts, earning around €82,900 net[2]. However, this disparity results from the lower competition and more restrictive patient bases in Sector 2[2].
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Related Article: Salary Doctor Health Income*
[1] https://www.journaldulimousin.fr/sante/sante-locale/pharems-jungle-va-devoir-fermer-ses-portes-une-plate-forme-collecte-de-fonds-vise-aider-10988523
[2] https://www.diapresse.fr/actualites/enquetes/2022/08/la-repartition-des-revenus-des-medecins-generalistes-en-2021-mandat-du-conseil-des-ministeres/_J_29675_5350637.html
- In the realm of chronic disease management and preventive practices, General Practitioners in France can earn extra income through the Public Health Performance Remuneration (ROSP), amounting to approximately €4,890 annually.
- The medical field, including the management of chronic diseases, is one area where science, competition, medical-conditions, and health-and-wellness intersect, as demonstrated by the remuneration structures for General Practitioners in France.
