Quality primary care is a house built on the foundation of its four core functions, dubbed
the ‘4 Cs’ of primary care according to the National Institutes of Health. In this article,
we will review what those four core functions are, why they are important, and how they
relate to YOU and your health.
Core Function 1- First Contact
First contact means, “access and use of health services whenever necessary” (NIH,
2021). Life throws plenty of curveballs our way, from minor ailments to life-altering
chronic conditions. You need quality care as soon as, and whenever, the need arises.
When something is wrong, the last thing you need or want is to be stressing out over
when and if you’ll get the care you need.
Core Function 2- Comprehensiveness
Comprehensiveness means, “promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation” (NIH,
2021). Healthcare is multifaceted because your health is multifaceted. For example, to
use the analogy of a fire, if one starts (disease), it is good and of the utmost importance
to work to put it out (treatment). However, it is even better if the fire is kept from
happening (prevention). It is also good to rebuild a house after a fire has taken place
(rehabilitation). Whatever your health needs are, it is important for your primary care to
meet you right there.
Core Function 3- Coordination
Coordination means, “the integration of all the care the user receives and needs with
the other health services” (NIH, 2021). Many people see more than one healthcare
professional (such as specialists) and take more than one medication. Sometimes
things can get complicated, so it is important for any and all of your treatments,
medications, doctors, etc. are coordinated, and a professional can do that for you!
Having coordinated care allows your healthcare provider to give you the best care
possible, tailored to you.
Core Function 4- Continuity
Continuity means, “a professional-subject-of-care temporal relationship, leading to the
establishment of strong mutual trust” (NIH, 2021). An important aspect of quality
healthcare is building rapport and a trusting relationship with your healthcare provider.
Having continuity of care, where you see the same provider over time, allows your
provider to get to know YOU and the specifics of your health and needs. When you’re in
need, you need someone who knows you and knows the best way to help you.
Compass Community Health is built on all four core functions- First Contact,
Comprehensiveness, Coordination, and Continuity. You need quality primary care,
which means you need a quality healthcare provider. Click on any of the names below
to get to know each of Compass’ primary care providers!
Learn more about Compass Community Health’s Primary Care, Care Coordination, and
Making an appointment is as simple as calling (740) 355-7102. Don’t let your health
wait!Find out what your first appointment could look like!
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Your health is important. Compass Community Health is here to help.
Reach out today!
-Email: info@compasscommunityhealth.org,
-Message us on Facebook @ Compass Community Health
-Call: 740-355-7102
-Address: 1634 11th St, Portsmouth, OH 45662