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Primary Care / Medical Home

Primary care is a term used to describe activity of a healthcare provider who acts as the primary point of care for a patient. For many people, the primary care physician (PCP) is their first point of contact within the current healthcare system. A strong primary care system has been shown to improve health outcomes, quality of care and patient satisfaction, and to reduce overall system costs. In addition, a patient-focused primary care model is more cost effective and provides quality management of chronic diseases, acute illnesses, and overall prevention and wellness.

The concept of a "medical home" is a patient-centered model of healthcare, in which the patient, his/her primary care physician, and other health professionals work together and with shared responsibility for the patient's health. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Medicine and the American College of Physicians (Internal Medicine) embrace the medical home approach to healthcare.

Specialty Care

Not all healthcare needs can be met by a patient's Primary Care Provider. Generally, patients are referred to a specialist by their Primary Care Provider or family doctor for a specific condition or diagnosis.

Whatcom Project Access
In collaboration with the Whatcom County Medical Society, Whatcom Project Access (WPA) helps eligible low-income, uninsured patients access donated specialty care. Through WPA, local specialists generously donate their time and resources to provide care for these eligible patients.

Help Getting Care

Whether you are looking for community resources, more information on where to get care, or ways to reduce the cost of care, these simple information sheets can help you sort out your options and get the care you need.

• Primary Care
• Dental Care
• Prescriptions
• Other Care Tools

Healthcare Maps

• WAHA Map (pdf)
• Map of Local Community Health Centers (pdf)
• Bellingham Primary Care Map
• Bellingham Health Access Information Map
• Whatcom County Resources Map