primary care

American  

noun

1. medical care by a physician, or other healthcare professional, who is the patient's first contact with the healthcare system and who may recommend a specialist if necessary.

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Other Word Forms

• primary-care adjective

Etymology

Origin of primary care

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“In California, access to specialists and primary care providers in rural areas is already extremely limited and is projected to worsen as physicians retire and these communities struggle to attract new doctors,” it said.

From Los Angeles Times

Those weaknesses include higher child poverty, more crowded housing and daycares, uneven access to primary care and a larger reservoir of chronic viral and bacterial infection.

From MarketWatch

Staff in social care settings and independent contractors in primary care settings, such as GP practices, are also being strongly encouraged to consider face coverings.

From BBC

“Nurse practitioners provide the largest amount of primary care services in the United States,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Those experts include more than 170 psychiatrists, psychologists, and primary care physicians who have practiced in 60 countries, the company said.

From BBC