Key message

The analysis examines how the use of healthcare services among residents is affected when their regular general practitioner is not available. The results show that such a disruption in continuity leads to a decrease in the number of regular GP consultations by 4-17%, but the decline is reversed if the regular doctor returns. The results also indicate a 3-7% increase in the number of consultations at the emergency clinic, but these results are sensitive to different model specifications. There are no significant changes in acute outpatient contacts, and a small reduction in acute hospital admissions. Overall, the results suggest that discontinuity in the doctor-patient relationship does not negatively affect the health of the residents.