primary care

noun

: health care provided by a medical professional (such as a general practitioner, pediatrician, or nurse) with whom a patient has initial contact and by whom the patient may be referred to a specialist

—often used before another noun

a primary care physician

called also primary health care

compare secondary care, tertiary care

Examples of primary care in a Sentence

He provides primary care to inner-city patients.

Recent Examples on the Web

These treatments are often discussed with a specialist such as an endocrinologist or rheumatologist, in concert with one’s primary care physician and possibly gynecologist, depending on the treatment option that is best available for each individual’s situation. —Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

But two days after seeing my primary care doctor, the lumps in my right armpit tripled in size and the groin bumps came back. —Julia Ries, SELF, 11 Dec. 2024

Nearly 80% purchased the drugs or a prescription for them — at a cost between $936 to $1,349 per month before insurance coverage, rebates or coupons — from a primary care doctor or a specialist, according to the survey. —Bob Woods, CNBC, 8 Dec. 2024

Weiner had ordered them as their primary care physician. —J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

primary care

noun

: health care provided by a medical professional (as a general practitioner or a pediatrician) with whom a patient has initial contact and by whom the patient may be referred to a specialist for further treatment

—often used attributively

primary care physicians

primary care practice

primary care medicine

called also primary health care

compare secondary care, tertiary care