Primary care means coordinated, continuous health care from a provider who is trained to manage most of a person's basic health care needs. For many, the primary care physician is "the family doctor," who may be trained in family medicine, internal medicine, or general pediatrics. A complete primary care program includes health promotion; screening; medical, dental, and mental health care; laboratory and diagnostic testing; hospitalization and inpatient services; specialty care; and medication. A quality, comprehensive primary care system has a number of features:

• Care is based on continuous healing relationships;
• Care is customized according to patient's need and values;
• The patient is the source of control;
• Knowledge is shared and information flows freely;
• Decision-making is evidence-based;
• Safety is a system priority;
• Transparency is a necessity;
• Needs are anticipated;
• Waste is minimized; and
• Cooperation among clinicians is a priority. ^[1]  

The primary care model is the treatment model most likely to maximize health outcomes for low-income people. ^[2]   As opposed to episodic, discontinuous, and fragmented care, primary care offers individuals a reliable source of health care with the convenience of a single point of access and "one-stop shopping" for most health needs. The regular relationship with a provider can also promote prevention, treatment for general health care needs, and management of chronic and communicable diseases. An individual who knows his or her doctor personally-or at least has a regular clinic to visit-may be more likely to obtain treatment for a minor complaint or a chronic disorder before it becomes a serious or debilitating health issue.

A physician who serves as a gateway to other treatment providers is also well-positioned to coordinate care for those patients who have co-occurring mental health and substance abuse issues. (See recommendation d, below, for more on coordination of care.) When care is episodic or handled by a number of different providers who have no connection with each other, the patient is more likely to receive redundant treatment or-even worse-treatment which conflicts with that of another provider.