Community-oriented primary care in the United States. A status report
P. A. Nutting, M. Wood and E. M. Conner
Community-oriented primary care (COPC) is a variation on the primary care
model, which is characterized by the complementary use of epidemiologic and
primary care skills to systematically address the health care needs of a
defined population. A study by the Institute of Medicine developed an
operational model of COPC and examined its feasibility under differing
organizational and financial arrangements. Although COPC is usually
associated with publicly funded programs for underserved populations, the
study demonstrated its presence in the private sector as well. However, the
financial structure of the practice remains a critical factor determining
the particular expression of the model. The study points to the need for
data describing the marginal cost and health impact of COPC, if this
promising innovation is to become an important form of primary care
practice.
