a payment method for health care services. The physician, hospital, or other health care provider is paid a contracted rate for each member assigned, referred to as "per-member-per-month" rate, regardless of the number or nature of services provided. The contractual rates are usually adjusted for age, gender, illness, and regional differences.

Primary health care is facing serious concerns internationally, including whether it is a viable model in some areas. Physician shortages, uneven distribution of access to care, and large gaps between guideline-recommended care and actual delivery are key issues. In Canada, almost 4 million people lack a family doctor and more than 2 million have problems getting immediate care.