Definition

1. Noun:
   • A doctor who provides primary care: A primary care physician is a medical doctor who serves as a patient's first point of contact for health concerns, providing general medical care, preventive services, and ongoing management of common illnesses and chronic conditions. They coordinate a patient's overall healthcare and refer to specialists when necessary.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • You should schedule your annual check-up with your primary care physician.
  • My primary care physician manages my diabetes and refers me to an endocrinologist for more specialized advice.
  • The clinic is looking to hire a new primary care physician to serve the local community.

Advanced Usage

• Acting as a gatekeeper: In many healthcare systems, the primary care physician controls patient access to specialists and hospital services.
  • Under this insurance plan, you need a referral from your primary care physician to see a dermatologist.

Variants and Related Words

• Primary Care Provider (PCP): A broader term that can include not only physicians but also nurse practitioners and physician assistants who provide first-contact care.
• General Practitioner (GP): A term commonly used, especially in British English, for a doctor who provides primary care.
• Family Doctor / Family Physician: A type of primary care physician who treats patients of all ages.

Synonyms

• General Practitioner (GP)
• Family Doctor
• Primary Care Provider (PCP) (in a broader sense)

Related Phrases

• To establish care with a [primary care physician]: To choose and begin seeing a regular doctor for general health needs.
  • After moving to the city, her first task was to establish care with a primary care physician.

Noun

1. the physician who provides primary care
   • the primary care physician acts as a gatekeeper to the medical system