Primary care physicians
Primary Care Physicians
Primary Care Physicians (pronunciation: /ˈpraɪməri keɪr fɪˈzɪʃənz/) are medical doctors who provide both the first contact for a person with an undiagnosed health concern as well as continuing care of varied medical conditions, not limited by cause, organ system, or diagnosis.
Etymology
The term "Primary Care Physician" is derived from the Latin words "primarius" meaning "of the first rank" and "care" from Old English "caru", meaning "sorrow, anxiety, grief", combined with "physician" from the Greek "physike", meaning "natural science, knowledge of nature".
Role and Responsibilities
Primary Care Physicians are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention. They provide comprehensive health care services and are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. Their responsibilities include health maintenance, disease prevention, counseling, patient education, and diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses.
Primary Care Physicians often collaborate with other health professionals, and may refer patients to Specialists for further treatment when necessary.
Related Terms
- General Practitioner: A medical doctor who treats acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health education to patients.
- Family Physician: A medical doctor who provides comprehensive health care for people of all ages.
- Internist: A medical doctor who specializes in internal medicine, diagnosing and treating diseases of the internal organs.
- Pediatrician: A medical doctor who manages the health of your child, including physical, behavior, and mental health issues.
See Also
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