In 2003, Alberta Health and Wellness, the Alberta Medical Association and
Alberta's Regional Health Authorities (now Alberta Health Services) established
the Primary Care Initiative (PCI) to improve access to family physicians and
other frontline health care providers in Alberta.
The purpose of the PCI is to develop Primary Care Networks (PCNs) and support
them in meeting the objectives of the program.
The Primary Care Initiative oversees and supports the development of PCNs.
There are 41 PCNs operating throughout Alberta more in the planning stages. More
than 3,800 family physicians in Alberta are working in PCNs.
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. Primary care is typically provided by family physicians and health care
professionals such as nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, mental health
professionals, 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.
Family physicians and Alberta Health Services personnel routinely provide
primary care services within PCNs. Family physicians are often the first step
for patients seeking appointments for primary care needs while Alberta Health
Services provides important services such as laboratory and X-ray
services.