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What Is a Primary Care Doctor?
A primary care doctor is your go-to person in most situations when you or someone in your family needs medical care. (But if you think you are dealing with a life-threatening emergency, call 911.) The term PCP is often used as an abbreviation. It stands for primary care physician or primary care provider.
There are different types of primary care doctors.
- Family practitioners care for patients of all ages and often provide primary care for everyone in a family.
- Pediatricians care for children and teenagers.
- Internists, or internal medicine doctors, care for adults.
- Geriatricians care for older people.
- OBGYNs specialize in women’s health and might be a primary care doctor for a woman, especially if she is or will be pregnant.
All doctors in these groups have received special training to prepare them for serving that particular group of people. In some cases a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant might be a primary care provider.
Don't have a primary care doctor? Let us help you choose the right one for you.
Family Practitioners
Comprehensive, coordinated care for patients of all ages and often provide primary care for everyone in a family.
Pediatricians
General, preventive and specialized care for newborn, infant, and pediatric patients up until adulthood.
Internists
Care for adults with special study and training focusing on the prevention and treatment of adult diseases.
Geriatricians
Care for geriatric patients, specialize in treating complex medical conditions and social problems caused by aging.
Obstetricians
Care for women during pregnancy, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, preventive health screenings and more.
Gynecologists
General gynecologic care for women, from yearly examinations and screenings to highly specialized procedures.
Benefits of Having a Primary Care Provider
- Primary care doctors follow your life cycle, often seeing these same patients for long periods of time.
- They know your personal — and family — history, which helps them make accurate diagnoses, watch for red flags regarding medications and monitor changes in your health through the years.
- They treat more than you think, meaning they can help you manage chronic conditions, treat acute situations and perform minor surgical procedures.
- When you need a specialist, they help find the right fit, whether it is for heart disease, cancer or any other serious concern, a primary care doctor can help find someone who fits your specific needs — and personality.
Research has shown that people who have a primary care doctor do better in managing chronic diseases, spend less time in the hospital and less time away from work, and are more satisfied with their care.
Learn More About the Importance of Having a Primary Care Provider