Selection of the family physician.

This study was conducted to examine the characteristics of 'initial visits' by patients, contrasted with 'average visits', to discover what is needed to establish a satisfactory patient-physician relationship leading to long term continuous care.In the initial visit, the patient presents with a relatively simple problem which will enable the physician to demonstrate his ability without unduly taxing his skills. This suggests that patients create an opportunity for a thorough face-to-face contact to provide an opportunity for the physician to display his ability so that the patient's desire for a long term relationship can be achieved. The study also suggests that patients' expectations have changed in proportion to changes in the mode of medical practice.