What it means
The main provider who looks after a person's health over time: checkups, screening, vaccines, common illnesses, and long-term conditions. They refer clients to specialists when needed and coordinate the care. In a hospital, "the provider" may be a hospitalist instead, who hands care back to the primary care provider at discharge.
For the nurse
Make sure discharge papers name the follow-up visit with the primary care provider, and send records as ordered for continuity of carekon-tih-NOO-ih-tee uv KAIRCare that flows smoothly from one provider, shift or setting to the next, without gaps or repeated steps.Full entry .
At a glance
| Abbreviations | PCP (avoid: PCP also means phencyclidine and Pneumocystis pneumonia) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | proveedor de atención primaria, médico de cabecera |
| Also written | primary care providers |
Related terms
referral
Sending a client to another professional, service or agency for care or help that they need.
health care provider
The licensed professional who diagnoses and prescribes for a client, such as a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
continuity of care
Care that flows smoothly from one provider, shift or setting to the next, without gaps or repeated steps.