A primary care provider is a general medical practitioner who will see adults of all ages (or a pediatrician who will see children through adolescents) for uncomplicated and common medical problems. This provider (who can be a doctor, a physician assistant or a nurse-practitioner) will often follow patients over long periods of time and refer them to medical specialists when necessary.

Alternative Names

Family doctor - how to choose one; Primary care provider - how to choose one; Doctor - how to choose a family doctor