Table 3.

What Patients Can Expect of Family Physicians’ Practices

Provide the right care, at the right time, at the right cost

Ensure patients can be seen by their family physician or a member of the care team whenever needed

Assist patients with all of their health care needs

Coordinate patients’ care across settings; integrate care for acute and chronic illness, mental health and prevention; and guide access to specialist care when needed

Organize care within the care team to meet their patients’ needs and provide continuity of care across time

Use technology to maintain and enhance access, continuity, and relationships

Understand the effects of the community-level factors and social determinants of health on their patients’ well-being, and identify community resources available to meet their health needs

Care for patients in the context of their family and the ways in which the health of each family member affects the others