In medicine, primary care is a specialism that acts as a first point of consultation for all patients. Generally, primary care physicians are based in the community, as opposed to the hospital. Alternative names for the field are general practice and family medicine .

Because of the nature of problems presented to a primary care physician, he/she has to keep a holistic view of the patient, investigating carefully if the problem presented can be managed by reassurance and symptomatic treatment or by intervention.

Examples of diseases managed in primary care are:

• Diabetes mellitus (type II)
• COPD
• Depression
• Back pain

References and External Links

• Defining Primary Care http://books.nap.edu/books/0309053994/html/27.html from Institute of Medicine IOM - Primary Care: America's Health in a New Era (1996)
• Primary Care http://www.aafp.org/x6988.xml Definitions from American Academy of Family Physicians AAFP
• Definition of Primary Care http://www.ama-assn.org/apps/pf_new/pf_online?f_n=browse&doc=policyfiles/HnE/H-2
  00.969.HTM from American Medical Association AMA
• Defining primary health care http://www.cre.gov.uk/gdpract/health_care_cop_def.html Department of Health United Kingdom UK
• What is primary health care? http://www.amsant.com.au/amsant/what-is-primary-health-care.html Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) Australia