panel doctor

A patient visits a panel doctor for a routine check-up.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A doctor who is part of a panel: In the context of the UK's National Health Service (NHS) or similar health insurance systems, a "panel doctor" is a medical practitioner who is registered on an official list (panel) to treat insured patients, typically under a government or insurance scheme.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She visited the panel doctor for a routine check-up covered by her insurance. (A doctor on the approved list for insured treatment.)
  • The panel doctor's list of patients was full, so new patients had to register elsewhere. (A doctor with a limited number of insured patients.)

Advanced Usage

• "panel doctor" in historical context: The term was commonly used in the early to mid-20th century in the UK when the National Insurance Act of 1911 created panels of doctors for workers. It is less common today but still understood.
  • In the 1930s, many working-class families relied on a panel doctor for basic medical care. (A doctor under the old national insurance system.)

Variants and Related Words

• Panel (n): a list or group of people selected for a specific purpose, such as a medical panel.

  • The hospital maintains a panel of approved specialists. (A list of qualified doctors.)

• Doctor (n): a qualified medical professional.

  • The doctor diagnosed the patient with a common cold. (A medical practitioner.)

Synonyms

• Insurance doctor: a doctor who treats patients under an insurance plan.
• Approved doctor: a doctor officially recognized by a health scheme.

Related Idioms

• On the panel: a phrase meaning that a doctor is registered to treat insured patients.
  • He has been on the panel for over twenty years. (He has been an approved doctor for insured patients.)