Primary care is the first point of contact a person has with the health
system - the point where people receive care for most of their everyday health
needs. Primary care is typically provided by family physicians and health care
professionals such as nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health
professionals, therapists and others.
Primary care includes the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of
various health conditions. It also includes referrals to specialists and
diagnostic services such as laboratory tests or X-rays.
Family physicians and Alberta Health Services personnel routinely provide
primary care services within PCNs. Family physicians are often the first step
for patients seeking appointments for primary care needs while Alberta Health
Services provides important services such as laboratory and X-ray
services.
