Primary Health Care Descriptors

Primary Health Care Defined

Defined as health care provided by a medical professional (e.g. family physician, pediatrician, nurse practitioner) which whom a patient has first point of consultation in his/her community. Continuity of care is also a key characteristic of primary health care.

Primary Health Care Definitions

Case management - helps patients understand their current health need(s), what care/treatments are needed and why, and monitors compliance with needed care/treatment.

Diagnostic services - provides testing to identify health abnormalities/issues.

Health education - provides information about prevention of illness and/or how to manage illness or disease.

Home health care - provides health care services, such as medical treatment, in a patient's home.

Medication assistance - helps patients find financial assistance to cover the cost of medications and/or assists in medication management.

Obstetrical care - provides non-specialty physician services related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Pediatric care - provides non-specialty physician services to children from birth to age 18.

Preventative care - provides information and services to prevent patients from getting sick or developing chronic disease.