Choosing a primary care provider
Key points
- A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner who sees people of all ages for common medical problems.
- A PCP is your main healthcare provider in non-emergency situations.
- This person is usually a doctor, but may be a physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner.
- Your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important to select someone with whom you will work well.
Alternative names
Family doctor - how to choose one; Primary care provider - how to choose one; Doctor - how to choose a family doctor
Definition
A primary care provider (PCP) is a general practitioner who sees people of all ages for common medical problems. This person is usually a doctor, but may be a physician's assistant or a nurse practitioner. Your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important to select someone with whom you will work well.
Information
A PCP is your main healthcare provider in non-emergency situations. Your PCP's role is to:
- Provide preventive care and teach healthy lifestyle choices.
- Identify and treat common medical conditions.
- Make referrals to medical specialists when necessary.
Primary care is usually provided in an outpatient setting. However, if you are admitted to the hospital, your PCP may assist in or direct your care, depending on the circumstances.
Having a primary care provider can give you a trusting, ongoing relationship with one medical professional over time. You can choose from several different types of PCPs:
- General practitioners - physicians who have completed an internship but not a residency.
- Family practitioners - physicians who have completed a family practice residency and are board certified, or board eligible, for this specialty. The scope of their practice includes children and adults of all ages and may include obstetrics and minor surgery.
- Pediatricians - physicians who have completed a pediatric residency and are board certified, or board eligible, in this specialty. The scope of their practice includes the care of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents.
- Internists - physicians who have completed a residency in internal medicine and are board certified, or board eligible, in this specialty. The scope of their practice includes the care of adults of all ages for many different medical problems.
- Obstetricians/gynecologists - physicians who have completed a residency and are board certified, or board eligible, in this specialty. They often serve as a PCP for women, particularly those of childbearing age.
- Nurse practitioners and physician's assistants - practitioners who go through a different training and certification process than doctors. They are often referred to as "physician extenders." They may be your key contact in some practices. All PAs or NPs consult with physicians.
Many insurance plans limit the providers you can choose from, or provide financial incentives for you to select from a specific list of providers. Make sure you know what your insurance covers before starting to narrow down your options.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.