How does AHRQ define “primary care”?
AHRQ defines primary care using the Institute of Medicine (IOM) definition which is that “Primary care is the provision of integrated, accessible health care services by clinicians who are accountable for addressing a large majority of personal health care needs, developing a sustained partnership with patients, and practicing in the context of family and community.” For more information on this definition, please see the IOM report entitled, Primary Care: America’s Health in a New Era. (Donaldson MS, Yordy KD, Lohr KN, Vanselow NA, eds. Primary Care: America’s Health in a New Era. National Academy Press, Washington, D.C. 1996).
