This article describes and analyzes a new basic health care system approach termed Reference Teams, or health unit teams accountable for a reference population, organized in Betim, Minas Gerais. Empirical data and other forms of evidence were collected by the authors with the purpose of describing the project's history. Based on this experience and other studies on the subject, some theoretical reflections shaping models for health care reform were formulated.
Medical Assistance; Health Services Accessibility; Health Manpower; Health Policy