What does the term "continuity of care" mean in healthcare?

The term "continuity of care" in healthcare refers to the uninterrupted provision of care for patients, ensuring that they receive consistent and coordinated services over time. This concept emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stable and ongoing relationship between healthcare providers and patients, which ultimately leads to better health outcomes.

Continuity of care can take many forms, including consistent appointments with the same primary care provider, seamless transitions between different types of healthcare services (such as from hospital to home care), and effective communication among various healthcare professionals involved in a patient’s care. This holistic approach helps in managing chronic conditions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and fosters trust between patients and providers, enhancing the overall patient experience.

In contrast, changing doctors regularly disrupts the patient-provider relationship and may lead to fragmented care, which can negatively impact health outcomes. Similarly, while routine health checks are important for preventive care, they do not encompass the broader concept of continuity of care, which involves a long-term commitment to managing a patient's health situation. The billing process is unrelated to the provision of care itself, focusing instead on the administrative and financial aspects of healthcare services.