|
Primary Care Physician is a term that applies to a medical doctor that is chosen by an insured person to be the general practitioner providing initial medical care. A primary care physician is usually designated at the time of medical plan enrollment, and can be changed at any time during the year. Until changed, however, the patient is responsible for seeking the counsel of the primary care physician before seeking the help of another doctor.
If the insured patient does not get approval from the primary care physician before getting medical assistance, the patient will very likely have to pay for the medical services out of their own pocket.
Primary care physicians are used by health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations to help lower costs by directing the patient to the most cost effective, and appropriate, medical care. |
Home 
Definitions 