The Regular General Practitioner Scheme was introduced June 1st 2001. The aim of this study was to investigate how general practitioners (GPs) assess that the reform has influenced their discretionary decisions as gatekeepers. Data were gathered in 11 structured focus group interviews with 81 GPs and from questionnaires among the same informants. The interviews were conducted during the spring of 2002. Group discussions were recorded, transcribed and systematically analysed through coding and extraction of the informants’ statements. The quantitative data from the questionnaires were used for validation and supplement. After the reform the doctors generally experience increased and more visible competition, stronger pressure from patients and colleagues, as well as increased medical responsibility. They claim that this makes them less strict as gatekeepers as it now has become more important to keep patients satisfied. The informants indicated that this induces various changes in practice style, e.g. better accessibility and service and increased willingness to comply with the patients’ wishes. The GPs’ consciousness of the gatekeeper role and the incentives to consider public costs when making decisions have been weakened.