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

Greater access to health insurance may allow people to access mental health services, primary care and crisis intervention. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 10 Sep. 2024

People who have underlying medical conditions and who are on prescription medications should check with their primary care provider about energy drink use. CNN: Are there other better ways to reduce fatigue and boost energy? —Katia Hetter, CNN, 9 Sep. 2024

Urgent care is an excellent choice for less severe illness or injury; many are open after many primary care healthcare providers. —Kashif J. Piracha, Verywell Health, 9 Sep. 2024

Eventually, his primary care doctor ordered a blood test, which came back positive early last month. —Elysee Barakett, NBC News, 8 Aug. 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