Continuity in primary care means?

• A. The initial point of entry into the healthcare system for a patient
• B. Ongoing, long-term relationship between patient and provider over time
• C. The ability to address a wide range of patient needs
• D. Coordinating care across multiple providers and services

Answer: (B)

Continuity in primary care is the ongoing, long‑term relationship between a patient and a single clinician (or a consistent care team) over time. This relational continuity lets the clinician know the patient’s history, preferences, and social context, so care feels personalized, chronic conditions are managed effectively, and preventive efforts are more likely to be appropriate and timely. It also builds trust, which can improve communication, adherence, and satisfaction. While other aspects—being the initial entry point into care, covering many different health needs, or coordinating care across multiple providers—are important parts of primary care, they describe access, comprehensiveness, and system-level coordination rather than the sustained, ongoing relationship that defines continuity.