In primary care, we focus on such areas of healthcare as health promotion, disease prevention, health maintenance, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. In our offices, primary care is performed and managed by a team of healthcare providers (physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners) along with their nurses and medical assistants. We aim to promote effective communication with our patients and we encourage the role of our patients as a partner in their care. When advisable and appropriate, our healthcare professionals utilize the services of specialty care practitioners by referring patients out for further treatment and testing.