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

Sheridan recommends checking with your primary care physician or local pharmacy for a dose of the latest vaccine to help protect you from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Olson appreciated that Weiner had taken over as his primary care physician. —J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 20 Dec. 2024

Patients can consult their primary care physician for referrals to genetic counselors. —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

Along with the guidance of a primary care provider, consider seeing a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN). —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 18 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