Primary Care
What is primary care?
Primary care is a field of medicine providing ongoing, general medical care. Primary care includes subspecialties like internal medicine and family medicine.
Primary care healthcare providers offer various services, such as chronic care management and preventive care. Physicals and well visits are a key component of primary care. During these visits, patients may receive screenings and immunizations.
Primary care providers also treat acute injuries and illnesses, support patients and coordinate care.
Why is primary care important to healthcare?
Primary care is important because it ensures patients have reliable and comprehensive healthcare services throughout their life. Primary care is often convenient and flexible—this accessibility results in improved patient outcomes, quality of care, patient satisfaction and healthcare costs.