As soon as this book first appeared in 1990 it became the standard text for the new generation of practice managers with responsibility for implementing many of the radical changes taking place in general practice. It required reprinting several times to satisfy demand and has since undergone two major revisions to ensure that it is up to date. This Third Edition incorporates several new chapters and new contributors, who reflect efficient and patient-friendly practice, and the continuing evolution of the NHS reforms. Topics are presented in clear, comprehensive and concise terms, from which managers will derive confidence and understanding, whether they use the book for background reading in the practice, or as a textbook on the many training courses that have now adopted it.