What is Primary Care?

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.
Family doctors are often the first place patients seek appointments for their primary care needs. It is also provided by nurses, dietitians, mental health professionals, pharmacists, 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.
Both family doctors and Alberta Health Services routinely provide primary care services.
Alberta Health Services provides a range of important services such as laboratory and X-ray services, home care, immunization programs, hospital care, and long-term care.

Alberta Health Services
Health Link Alberta:
1-866-408-LINK
(Toll-free access to a registered nurse 24x7)