US Medical Term · clinical
Primary Care Provider
Proveedor de Atención Primaria
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Primary Care Provider |
| Spanish (Español) | Proveedor de Atención Primaria |
| Chinese (中文) | 初级保健提供者 |
| Korean (한국어) | 일차 의료 제공자 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nhà cung cấp Dịch vụ Chăm sóc Ban đầu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pangunahing Tagapagbigay ng Pangangalagang Pangkalusugan |
| Portuguese (Português) | Prestador de Cuidados Primários |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ผู้ให้บริการดูแลเบื้องต้น |
| Japanese (日本語) | かかりつけ医 |
What it means
A primary care provider (PCP) is the main clinician responsible for your routine and preventive healthcare. PCPs include family physicians, general internists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They perform annual wellness exams, manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, order screening tests, prescribe medications, and refer you to specialists when needed. In HMO plans, your PCP often serves as a gatekeeper whose referral is required before seeing a specialist. Choosing a PCP who speaks your language or understands your cultural background can improve communication and outcomes.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
PRY-mair-ee kair pruh-VY-der
proveedor de atención primaria
Abbreviated as PCP; also called 'family doctor' or 'general practitioner'
Abreviado como PCP; también llamado 'médico de familia' o 'médico general'
In an HMO: 'You need a PCP referral before seeing a specialist'
'Necesita una referencia de su PCP para ver a un especialista'
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026