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

Genital psoriasis is usually diagnosed by a primary care provider or dermatologist (a doctor specializing in skin, nail, and hair conditions). —Heidi Cope, Health, 29 Dec. 2024

Sermo interviewed 108 healthcare professionals this month, including primary care physicians, pediatricians, OBGYNs, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and retail pharmacists. —Bruce Gil, Quartz, 27 Dec. 2024

Pay attention to your nutrition and get a checkup with your primary care provider if needed. —Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 26 Dec. 2024

This is particularly important since many adolescents, particularly those from minoritized communities, do not always have consistent access to a pediatrician or primary care provider. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 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