Patient care teams play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases by providing coordinated, multidisciplinary care. While team care is generally seen as a standard for high-quality care, its implementation in primary care remains unclear. The article discusses the importance of defining roles within patient care teams and the need for effective collaboration among team members to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Key functions of patient care teams include complementary roles such as counseling on behavior change, which doctors often lack time or skills for. Effective team care for chronic illness often involves professionals outside a single practice, such as specialists or community agencies. Cross-boundary teams can be complex but are essential for optimal care. Strategies like population-based care, treatment planning, evidence-based clinical management, self-management support, more effective consultations, and sustained follow-up are critical for successful chronic disease management. Nurse case managers, medical specialists, clinical pharmacists, and social workers all play important roles in chronic disease management. Nurse case managers are particularly important for managing chronic conditions, while clinical pharmacists help optimize drug regimens. Social workers, though less studied, are essential for elderly patients. Lay health workers also contribute by providing support and education to patients in low-income communities. The article emphasizes that for patient care teams to be effective, roles must be clearly defined and explicitly delegated. Training and effective teamwork are essential for managing complex chronic illnesses without compromising comprehensive primary care. However, the success of these teams depends on the collaboration between team members and the support of primary care doctors. The article concludes that patient care teams have the potential to improve the quality of care for patients with chronic illness when roles are clearly defined and team members are trained for their specific functions.Patient care teams play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases by providing coordinated, multidisciplinary care. While team care is generally seen as a standard for high-quality care, its implementation in primary care remains unclear. The article discusses the importance of defining roles within patient care teams and the need for effective collaboration among team members to improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Key functions of patient care teams include complementary roles such as counseling on behavior change, which doctors often lack time or skills for. Effective team care for chronic illness often involves professionals outside a single practice, such as specialists or community agencies. Cross-boundary teams can be complex but are essential for optimal care. Strategies like population-based care, treatment planning, evidence-based clinical management, self-management support, more effective consultations, and sustained follow-up are critical for successful chronic disease management. Nurse case managers, medical specialists, clinical pharmacists, and social workers all play important roles in chronic disease management. Nurse case managers are particularly important for managing chronic conditions, while clinical pharmacists help optimize drug regimens. Social workers, though less studied, are essential for elderly patients. Lay health workers also contribute by providing support and education to patients in low-income communities. The article emphasizes that for patient care teams to be effective, roles must be clearly defined and explicitly delegated. Training and effective teamwork are essential for managing complex chronic illnesses without compromising comprehensive primary care. However, the success of these teams depends on the collaboration between team members and the support of primary care doctors. The article concludes that patient care teams have the potential to improve the quality of care for patients with chronic illness when roles are clearly defined and team members are trained for their specific functions.