Primary care

Primary care

Primary care is a term used for the activity of a health care provider who acts as a first point of consultation for all patients. Continuity of care is also a key characteristic of primary care.

Primary care is an important form of health access for patients. Primary care involves the widest scope of health care including all ages of patients, patients of all socioeconomic and geographic origins, patients seeking to maintain optimal health, and patients with multiple chronic diseases. Common chronic illnesses include
* Hypertension
* Diabetes mellitus
* COPD
* Depression
* Back pain

See also

* Direct primary care

External links

* [http://books.nap.edu/books/0309053994/html/27.html Defining Primary Care] from Institute of Medicine IOM - Primary Care: America's Health in a New Era (1996)
* [http://www.aafp.org/x6988.xml Primary Care] Definitions from American Academy of Family Physicians AAFP
* [http://www.ama-assn.org/apps/pf_new/pf_online?f_n=browse&doc=policyfiles/HnE/H-200.969.HTM Definition of Primary Care] from American Medical Association AMA
* [http://www.cre.gov.uk/gdpract/health_care_cop_def.html Defining primary health care] Department of Health United Kingdom UK
* [http://www.amsant.com.au/amsant/what-is-primary-health-care.html What is primary health care?] Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) Australia
* [http://www.primary-care-diabetes.com/ "Primary Care Diabetes" Journal]


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