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

In addition, federal data shows that nearly every county in Idaho does not have enough primary care physicians. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 16 May 2024

Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin plans to open a new primary care clinic on Milwaukee's east side early next year, the health system announced. —Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 14 May 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