Primary Care Physician (PCP)
A primary care physician directly provides or coordinates a range of health care services for a patient.
A primary care physician (PCP) has traditionally been a Medical Doctor (MD) but more often these days you will find a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) filling this role.
Most HMO health plans and some POS health plans require you to select a PCP.
♦ HMO plans use primary care doctors as a form of gatekeeper. Requiring a PCP referral to see a specialist.
Related content
How to choose a primary care doctor?
• Why you should have a primary care doctor.
• Six tips to choosing a primary care doctor.
