ObjectivesTo assess general practitioners' (GPs') views of adole cents as a discrete patient group with specific developmental health c are needs; to document GPs' perceived knowledge of and competence in adolescent health care; and to clarify the barrier GPs perceive to effective delivery of such care.DesignQualitative research.MethodsStratified sampling generated a sample of 57 GPs from rural and urban divisions of general practice. Focus group discussions and in dividual interviews were recorded and transcripts were analysed.ResultsThirty‐three GPs (62%) reported that adolescents made up 10% or more of their weekly consultations. Although 10 GPs defined adolescents by developmental criteria, 47 had an incomplete understanding of the developmental aspects of adole cence. Most GPs (43) had some concern about their knowledge of and competence in delivering adolescent health care and 52 stated that they had had little or no formal training in adolescent health. The participants perceived a range of barrier to effective health care provision, including issues of confidentiality, communication and cost.ConclusionsChanges are needed in the Medicare card and rebate systems to en ure improved access to affordable, confidential care for adolescent . Our re ults also support the incorporation of important adolescent health care issues in undergraduate and postgraduate medical training.