Introduction. Studying consultation patterns. A day in the life of a typical urban general practice. Are GP surgery consultation rate rising? If consultation rates are static why do GPs complain about rising workload? What's happening to practice nurse consultation rates? What's happening to GP home visits? What difference does a GP co-operative make to night visits? What is the link between consultation rates, deprivation levels and admission or referral to hospital? Is there a seasonal pattern to practice contract rates? How long do patients wait to see a doctor? How long are GP and practice nures consultations? Who are GPs and practice nurses seeing? Defaulters in general practice - who are they and what can be done about them? Frequent attenders - who are they? Do newly registered patients consult more frequently? What is the effect of long term illness on consultation rate? Are the economies of scale in the employment of administration and reception staff? Consultations in general practice - what do they cost? Continuity, vocation and the changing nature of GP work. Concluding thoughts. Guide to activity data collection.