Defining primary care and the chiropractic physicians' role in the evolving health care system

To review the literature assessing current trends within primary health care and its delivery and the role of the chiropractic primary care physician.

Select papers which offer definitions of primary care.

Several influential papers offer criteria necessary to be considered primary care practitioners.

Primary care is comprehensive, coordinated, continuous and accessible. Chiropractic care meets this definition.

The primary care chiropractic physician is a viable and important part of the primary health care delivery system, with many chiropractic physicians currently prepared to participate effectively and competently in primary care.