Gallbladder disease (GBD) is a common cause of upper abdominal pain. Prevalence of GBD increases with age, and is more common in women than men. United States population prevalence estimates indicate that 17% of women and 8% of men have GBD. Although common, it is often asymptomatic. We analysed data collected in the BEACH (Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health) program from January 2010 to December 2012 to describe general practitioners' management of GBD when it is an 'active' clinical problem.