Primary care delivery in the United States and four northwest European countries: Comparing the 'corporatized' with the 'socialized'

Primary care - often considered the weak link in the United States health care delivery system - is the focal point of several European systems. Thoughtful analysis of structural and service differences and similarities among these approaches - whether 'corporatized' or 'socialized' - reveals areas for helpful innovation in the United States. Matters of access to and continuity of services, preventive care for children, long-term care, and accountability are especially relevant for primary care in an American context.