As a family physician I want to deliver effective primary care medicine, which is defined by the World Health Association as: 

The point of first contact into the medical system,  a relationship over time, a broad array of services, and effective care coordination. 

 
This is further refined in an article written by John Wasson MD, appearing in in the Journal of Ambulatory Care Management, which lists the core attributes of primary care as the following: 

•      Superb access (no waiting or delays)
•      Efficient office (no wasted patient time)
•      Continuity (reduced fragmentation of care)
•      Patient Activation (patients have information they need and the confidence to use it)
•      Care Coordination (de-fragmentation across the continuum of care)

 The current term for effective, high quality primary care is: “The Medical Home”.  My size and low volume afford me the opportunity to create a patient centered Medical Home.

The American Academy of Family Physicians outlined the premise of a medical home in their Future of Family Medicine report published in 2004.  It supports the items referenced above and serves as a touchstone for all decisions made within my practice.