In medical terms, PCP stands for "primary care physician" or "primary care provider". A PCP is a healthcare professional who practices general medicine and is usually the first point of contact for non-emergency medical care. Most PCPs are doctors, but nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also be PCPs. The role of a PCP includes providing preventive care, identifying and treating common medical conditions, assessing the urgency of medical problems, and making referrals to medical specialists when necessary. PCPs can also help manage ongoing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or acid reflux. It is important to choose a PCP with whom you will work well and who can provide you with a trusting, ongoing relationship over time. It is worth noting that PCP can also refer to phencyclidine, an illegal street drug that is a mind-altering drug and a hallucinogen.