What is Primary Healthcare?
Primary healthcare is the first contact a person has with the health system when they have a health issue or problem that is not an emergency. It refers to a wide range of health services offered by medical professionals in the community. Your local physician or general practitioner (GP) is a primary healthcare provider, and so are pharmacists, nurses, and allied health providers such as dentists and physical therapists.
What Does the Primary Healthcare Setting Involve?
Primary healthcare is typically provided in a community setting, such as a general practice or dental clinic. Primary healthcare providers may work in community health centers, medical clinics, and allied health practices, such as podiatry and physical therapy practices. Primary healthcare can also be obtained through health advice telephone helplines such as NURSE-ON-CALL.
What are the Services Delivered by Primary Healthcare?
Primary healthcare can provide a broad range of services, such as
- Diagnosis, treatment, and care of individuals with health conditions
- Preventing health issues
- Promoting good health
- Managing long-term and ongoing conditions
- Early intervention