Ghent patients are loyal to their general practitioner.
General Practitioner Care in Belgium: Key Figures and Trends (2022)
In 2022, no less than 85% of the Belgian population had at least one contact with a general practitioner (GP). These figures highlight how important and accessible GP care is within our healthcare system. Women over the age of 15 and individuals with a vulnerable socio-economic status tend to visit their GP more frequently. We also see these trends reflected in our own practice in Ghent.
GP Contacts by Region and Age
The number of GP contacts varies by region, age, and gender. Children and young people have fewer GP visits on average than older adults, although this gap is gradually narrowing. Adult women consult their GP more often than men.
In Flanders, a patient has an average of 6.2 contacts per year
In Wallonia, this figure is 5.9
In Brussels, the average is 5.2
Average Number of GP Contacts per Patient
Patients who had at least one contact with a GP in 2022 had an average of 6 contacts that year. In 2017, the average was 5.3. This increase highlights the growing demand for primary healthcare. Note: contacts in medical houses are not included in these figures.
Influence of Socio-Economic Status
People who qualify for increased reimbursement—such as those with a disability or low income—have more frequent contact with their GP. This applies across all age groups and underlines the importance of accessible healthcare for vulnerable groups.
Patient Loyalty to GP Practices
Approximately 80% of patients are loyal to a single GP practice. This means that they primarily receive care from the same GP or practice (excluding on-call or after-hours services). In Flanders, loyalty is around 80%, and in Brussels and Wallonia, around 75%.
GP Contacts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the organization of GP care. During the 2020 lockdowns, teleconsultations were introduced to maintain continuity of care. As a result, the percentage of Belgians with at least one GP contact remained stable at 82%, and the average number of contacts per patient increased from 5.5 to 5.8.
In total, over 9 million teleconsultations took place in 2020—accounting for one in five GP contacts that year.
Looking for a GP in Ghent?
At mijnhuisarts.gent, we provide personal, accessible, and high-quality primary care. Whether you're looking for a regular GP, a medical house, or advice in Ghent, we’re here to help.