Primary care is typically provided by healthcare professionals known as primary care providers (PCPs). These include:
- Primary care physicians, such as family medicine doctors, internal medicine physicians, pediatricians, and general practitioners, who provide first contact and ongoing care for a wide range of health issues across all ages.
- Nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who are trained and certified to provide some types of primary care, often diagnosing and managing common illnesses and preventive care.
- Obstetricians/gynecologists also serve as primary care providers for women's health, particularly reproductive care.
Primary care providers focus on preventive care, managing chronic diseases, health screening, and coordinating referrals to specialists when needed, serving as the main healthcare professional for non-emergency medical concerns.
In summary, primary care is delivered by a range of licensed medical professionals, most commonly primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, all acting as the first contact and continuing source of healthcare for patients.