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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 careExamples of primary care in a Sentence
He provides primary care to inner-city patients.
Recent Examples on the Web
Leaders can prioritize integrating behavioral health into primary care, enhancing interoperability between systems and experimenting with hybrid payment models that balance financial risks and rewards.
—Amber Nigam, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
The company recently expanded its sales force to target growth opportunities with primary care doctors.
—John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
In Pacific Palisades, St. John’s Physician Partners, a primary care and pediatric clinic affiliated with Providence Health & Services, burned down, said Patricia Aidem, a spokesperson for the large Catholic hospital chain based in Renton, Washington.
—CNN, 13 Jan. 2025
The medical group is forming at a time when independent physician practices — particularly primary care — are being snapped up by large hospitals, both in Connecticut and nationally.
—Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1967, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near primary care
Cite this Entry
“Primary care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primary%20care. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
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 careLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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