We determined the effect of an early discharge program on the pattern of primary care visits (PCV) following discharge from the hospital.Methods: 997 study infants (Early discharge (ED) 9/1/93-5/1/94) and 1171 historical controls (C) (standard discharge 9/1/92-5/1/93) formed the original cohort. Both groups consisted of healthy newborns, (85% medicaid or selfpay) delivered vaginally with no transitional problems. For this analysis only infants who chose a public clinic for F/U were included (C=730, S=670). The early discharge program was characterized by liberal use of home visits and coordination of post hospital care. PCV was defined as a visit to the specific site identified by the mother at the time of discharge from the birth hospital. Computer and manual searches were done to determine rates of FPCV and age at visit to specific clinics. Primary care sites were divided into community based clinics (CBC) and a single hospital based clinic (HBC). Maternal variables included age, race, use of prenatal care, parity and gravidity. Infant variables included birth weight and gestational age. Bivariable (T test, chi-sq) and multivariable (Logistic regression) analyses were performed. Results: 73% of patients in the C and 79% in the ED group kept their PCV at the site indicated at discharge (n.s., Chi-sq). Infants in the ED program were likely to have a PC visit (OR=1.313, CI 1.13, 1.51). Women with substandard prenatal care (OR=0.467, CI 0.36, 0.61) and HBC users (OR=.523, CI 0.45, 0.60) were less likely to have a PC visit. Mothers of younger age and nonwhite race were less likely to make PC visits.Conclusion: Infants in the ED program were more likely to return to their stated site of primary care enhancing opportunities for health care planning and communications.