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Choosing a primary care provider

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Overview

Choosing a primary care provider

Definition:

A primary care provider (PCP) is a practitioner who sees people for common medical problems. This person is usually a doctor, but may be a physician 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

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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
• Assess the urgency of your medical problems and direct you to the best place for that care
• 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 -- doctors who have completed an internship but not a residency.
• Family practitioners -- doctors 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 -- doctors 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 -- doctors 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 -- doctors 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 (NP) and physician assistants (PA) -- 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.