According to the Health Council of Canada’s recent report (Canadian Health Care Matters series) on chronic illness care, Canadians with chronic conditions rate their care as "excellent" if their doctor knows their history and helps them coordinate their care. These patients were more likely to:

• Get recommended for routine tests
• Receive help in managing their condition
• Have their medications reviewed
• Have a nurse involved in their care.

In 2003, Canada set a goal to have 50% of its citizens treated by health care teams (HCTs) by 2011. When people receive support from a coordinated team of professionals (including doctors,