Usually a general practitioner or specialist in family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, or, occasionally, obstetrics and gynecology who serves as an initial contact for patients in managed care systems.
Thy doctor who is usually the first contact for a patient experiencing a health problem. A primary care physician provides comprehensive and continuing care to people with any undiagnosed symptoms or health concerns. The area of primary care encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, patient education, and the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. Primary care physicians coordinate consultation with or referrals to other doctors as appropriate. Primary care specialties include general internal medicine, family medicine, and pediatrics.
A physician to whom a family or individual goes initially when ill or for a periodic health check. This physician assumes medical coordination of care with other physicians for the patient with multiple health concerns. A related term, primary care provider, includes both physicians and mid-level practitioners.
A healthcare professional who takes care of people’s routine medical needs.