Alberta Heartland Primary Care Network

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. The healthy lifestyle choices individuals and families make every day are an important part of primary care, health promotion and disease prevention. Primary care is typically provided by family physicians and health care professionals such as nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health professionals, therapists and others.

It includes screening for early detection of illnesses, immunizations, and follow-up to prevent complications of chronic health conditions. It also includes referrals to specialists and diagnostic services such as laboratory tests or X-rays. Examples of primary care include regular checkups, care for pregnant women, care for chronic illnesses and counselling.

Both family doctors and Alberta Health Services routinely provide primary care services. Family physicians are often the first place patients seek appointments for their primary care needs. 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.

What is a primary care network?

Primary Care Networks are a made-in-Alberta approach to ensure that you receive the right care, from the right health professional, at the right time. Led by family physicians, these networks are improving access to care for Albertans.

A primary care network (PCN) is not necessarily a bricks-and-mortar building – it is a “network” of family physicians and health care providers working together to provide primary care to patients. A PCN may be composed of one clinic with many physicians and support staff, or several physicians in several clinics across a geographic area.

Each network is unique and has the flexibility to develop programs and provide services that meet the specific needs of its patients. This grassroots approach allows – and encourages – the PCN to focus on the needs of the local patient population.

During Alberta Heartland PCN’s first three year business plan cycle efforts are being directed to enhancing programs and services in four main areas:
• Chronic Disease and Complex Patient Management
• Mental Health Support
• Women's Health
• Communication and Innovation