Primary Care Team Models
A primary care team is a group of healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive, coordinated primary health care in the community
Primary Care Team Models
A primary care team is a group of healthcare professionals who work collaboratively to deliver comprehensive, coordinated primary health care in the community
No matter the type, primary care teams share a commitment to interprofessional collaboration, population health, and improved access to coordinated primary care. Together, they serve millions of Ontarians through locally responsive, evidence-informed models designed to meet diverse community needs. All of these organizations are eligible to be our members.
Aboriginal Health Access Centres
Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs) provide primary healthcare integrated with traditional Indigenous healing and cultural programs. They serve First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations and are led by the communities they serve. Their services include clinical care, mental health support, and traditional healing. As of December 2024, there are 35 AHAC locations across Ontario, including main sites and satellites.
Government of Canada, 2024
Community Health Centres
Community Health Centres (CHCs) provide interprofessional primary care specifically for populations that face barriers to accessing healthcare (e.g., newcomers, low-income individuals, or those with complex social needs). They are community-governed, non-profit organizations that focus heavily on the social determinants of health and community-led programs. As of December 2025, there are 156 CHC locations across Ontario, including main sites and satellites.
Government of Canada, 2024
Family Health Teams
Family Health Teams are not-for-profit primary health care organizations. They represent the most common interprofessional model in Ontario, which includes family physicians working alongside other healthcare professionals such as nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, social workers and more, as well as other community providers. These teams focus on health promotion and chronic disease management through a collaborative approach. There are 186 FHTs in Ontario, caring for over 3.5 million patients. As of December 2024, there are 283 FHT locations across Ontario, including main sites and satellites.
Government of Canada, 2024
Indigenous Family Health Teams
Indigenous Family Health Teams (IFHTs) are another type of primary care team model that supports Indigenous communities through culturally safe, community-informed care. IFHTs operate within Ontario’s Family Health Team framework. Similar to FHTs, patients are typically rostered and supported by an interprofessional team.
Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Teams
Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team (IIPCT) are community-informed, team-based primary care organizations funded through Ontario’s primary care expansion. IIPCTs often include healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, traditional healers, social workers, mental health counselors, dietitians, and others, collaborating to care for the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of individuals.
Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics
In Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLCs), nurse practitioners (NPs) are the operational and clinical leads. They offer comprehensive primary care, including diagnosis, treatment, and referrals. These clinics collaborate with physicians and also feature team members like social workers and registered nurses. As of December 2024, there are 26 NPLC locations across Ontario, including main sites and satellites.
Government of Canada, 2024
Other Models
There are additional, unique models that primary care teams may operate within. For example, primary care services may be delivered through a coordinated network of healthcare professionals, partners, and doctors who are taking an interprofessional and collaborative approach to care.