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 care

Examples of primary care in a Sentence

He provides primary care to inner-city patients.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for primary care 

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of primary care was in 1967

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 care
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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