This report is the first study of GP encounters with older patients in Australia. It is a secondary analysis of data from the third and fourth years of the BEACH program. It describes the characteristics of older patients and the content of their GP encounters. Comparisons are made between the encounters with patients aged 65-74 years, and those aged 75 years or more. Results are also compared with an earlier study conducted in 1990-91. This report examines the management rates and prevalence of the most common chronic conditions. The characteristics of the patients, their problems and management are also examined for encounters at which an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) item was recorded.