primary care

noun

: health care provided by a medical professional (such as a general practitioner, pediatrician, or nurse) with whom a patient has initial contact and by whom the patient may be referred to a specialist
often used before another noun
a primary care physician

called also primary health care

compare secondary care, tertiary care

Examples of primary care in a Sentence

He provides primary care to inner-city patients.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its comprehensive services range from primary care, physical therapy, social work and dental, to transportation, meals, home care and day center activities. Janice Grandi, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025 Anyone considering a new wellness routine, especially those with chronic conditions, should talk with their primary care doctor or specialist before starting. Sharon Lawson, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages primary care providers to treat PrEP like other preventive medications. Zach Dyer, NPR, 22 Dec. 2025 The bill proposes raising reimbursement rates for OB/GYN services, primary care, outpatient mental health and substance use treatment to align with Medicare or average commercial rates. Jordan Green, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for primary care

Word History

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of primary care was in 1967

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Primary care.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/primary%20care. Accessed 1 Jan. 2026.

Medical Definition

primary care

noun
: health care provided by a medical professional (as a general practitioner or a pediatrician) with whom a patient has initial contact and by whom the patient may be referred to a specialist for further treatment
often used attributively
primary care physicians
primary care practice
primary care medicine

called also primary health care

compare secondary care, tertiary care
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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