Primary Care Providers

Synonyms

Family nurse practitioner: Family physician; General internist; General practitioner (GP); Internist; Primary care nurse practitioner; Primary care provider; Primary medical doctor

Definition

Primary care providers are generalist clinicians who provide integrated accessible health care to a defined population. Nurse practitioners, physicians, and physicians’ assistants who provide primary care are specially trained to provide primary care services. The primary care provider develops a sustained relationship with the patient and oversees all aspects of the patient’s health. The primary care provider partners with the patient to coordinate other health services which include collaboration with and referral to other members of the health-care team. Primary care providers are advocates for the patient throughout the entire health-care system.

Cross-References

• Primary Care

• Primary Care Physicians

• Primary Care Provider