Primary healthcare explained

Primary healthcare describes the first contact a person has with the health system when they have a health problem that is not an emergency. It is the part of the health system that people use most, and it covers a broad range of services provided in the community by professionals such as a primary care doctor, physiotherapist or pharmacist.

Who provides primary healthcare#

Any healthcare professional who acts as the first point of contact with the health system can be a primary healthcare provider. Most people see their regular doctor as a first step when they have a health problem that is not an emergency. The primary healthcare system also includes allied health professionals, such as dentists and physiotherapists.

Primary healthcare is usually provided in a community setting, such as a general practice or a dental clinic. Providers may work in medical clinics, community health centres and allied health practices such as physiotherapy and podiatry clinics. In many places, advice can also be reached through telephone or online health helplines.

What primary healthcare services do#

Services delivered by primary healthcare providers include:

• Diagnosing, treating and caring for people with common health problems
• Managing ongoing, long-term conditions
• Promoting good health and helping you prevent illness
• Early intervention when problems are starting to develop

Primary healthcare providers also offer advice in important areas of health and lifestyle, such as physical inactivity, smoking, hazardous drinking, stress and low mood, and poor diet.

Your main primary healthcare practitioner is usually your regular doctor, who provides comprehensive and ongoing general medical care. You may also see several other primary health professionals regularly, such as a dentist, counsellor, dietitian, osteopath or physiotherapist.

Building a good relationship with your provider#

Having a good relationship with your primary healthcare provider is important. Over time you can build an ongoing relationship, so you feel confident there is a medically trained professional you can contact when a health issue comes up.

To get the most from that relationship:

• Keep a record of your medical history and make it available to your provider.
• Feel confident sharing sensitive information, as your provider is not allowed to share it without your permission.
• Prepare for visits by writing down your symptoms, your medications and any other healthcare providers you are seeing, so you can discuss them.

Health helplines#

In many areas, telephone or online health helplines are available, sometimes around the clock. These services can help you work out whether you need to see a healthcare professional in person, and they offer useful health advice at times when other services are closed.

Getting the right care#

A primary healthcare service can diagnose and treat common health conditions within its area of expertise. Providers can also assess how urgent your problem is and direct you to the best place for care. Where needed, they can refer you to other medical specialists. In some places you may also be able to receive certain treatments at a pharmacy without needing to see a doctor for a prescription.

Key points#

• Primary healthcare describes a broad range of healthcare providers who work in the community.
• The primary healthcare system also includes allied health professionals, such as dentists and physiotherapists.
• It is usually provided in a community setting, such as a general practice or dental clinic.
• It can also be reached through health advice helplines.
• Services include managing ongoing and long-term conditions, promoting health and preventing illness.

Where to get help#