Primary Care Physician (PCP)

A Primary Care Physician (PCP) is a doctor who provides general medical care, preventive services, and ongoing health management. They're your first point of contact for most health issues and coordinate referrals to specialists when needed.

PCPs are especially important in HMO plans, where you must choose a PCP and get referrals for specialist care. In PPO and EPO plans, having a PCP is optional but often beneficial for coordinated care.

PCP visits include annual physicals, sick visits, chronic disease management, vaccinations, and health screenings. Building a relationship with a PCP who knows your health history can improve care quality and catch issues early.