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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
These treatments are often discussed with a specialist such as an endocrinologist or rheumatologist, in concert with one’s primary care physician and possibly gynecologist, depending on the treatment option that is best available for each individual’s situation.
—Nina Shapiro, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
But two days after seeing my primary care doctor, the lumps in my right armpit tripled in size and the groin bumps came back.
—Julia Ries, SELF, 11 Dec. 2024
Nearly 80% purchased the drugs or a prescription for them — at a cost between $936 to $1,349 per month before insurance coverage, rebates or coupons — from a primary care doctor or a specialist, according to the survey.
—Bob Woods, CNBC, 8 Dec. 2024
Weiner had ordered them as their primary care physician.
—J. David McSwane, ProPublica, 7 Dec. 2024
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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 29 Dec. 2024.
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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