Letter to the Editor

Abstract

While we agree with the definition of primary care articulated by Dr. Rivara, even it does not fully describe this important field. The recent Institute of Medicine definition of primary care1 adds to his points of accessible, comprehensive, and preventive services those of coordination, continuity, and accountability. To have addressed all of these in one small supplement of Pediatrics is a tall order. We clearly could not. In addition we believe that competency in managing the content of such services is also a responsibility of primary care physicians.