Primary care refers to healthcare facilities and professionals who see patients first and most frequently. The definition varies by geography and insurance terminology, but typically includes physicians, certain specialists, pharmacies, dentists, optometrists, nursing homes, hospices, and walk-in clinics. Obstetricians and gynecologists are also considered primary care providers.
“Primary care” is a term that refers to the health care facilities and professionals who typically see patients first and most frequently. The strict definition of primary care facilities varies widely by geography and insurance terminology. A patient’s physician and office are almost always considered primary care, and certain specialists, such as dermatologists, obstetricians and gynecologists, and allergists are also often included in this classification. Some even extend the terminology to include pharmacies, dentists, optometrists, nursing homes, hospices and walk-in clinics.
In insurance terminology, the GP is usually the GP most often seen by the patient, and the only real setting is that of the doctor’s office. Even within a doctor’s office, however, primary care settings can change slightly. The doctor may be in an independent practice or may operate from a clinic. Furthermore, the official designation of the doctor can be general practice, family medicine or paediatrics.
Many people consider any specialist who doesn’t require an insurance referral to be part of primary care. Under this classification, there are a number of primary care settings. Dermatology is one of the most common examples. These professionals, who focus on treating the skin, might work in an office or clinic. If they operate from a traditional office, they may perform procedures in an outpatient setting.
Obstetricians and gynecologists, or physicians who practice both specialties, are also considered part of primary care because many primary care physicians do not offer the services these specialists offer. These specialists may work in a variety of primary care settings, including a doctor’s office; clinic; or in the case of labor and delivery, a hospital. It is important to note that this is virtually the only instance where a hospital could be considered a primary care facility.
Dentists and optometrists are also often considered primary care providers because physicians do not offer their services. Most often they work in standard offices. Optometrists may, however, have offices within eyewear stores. While the store itself wouldn’t be considered a primary care facility, the actual doctor’s office within it would be.
When the term is broadened further, the result is a broad range of primary care settings. A pharmacy, for example, can be free-standing, located within a grocery store or drugstore, or even virtual. Similarly, nursing homes and hospices can be private or government-run. Additionally, a walk-in clinic can be free-standing, adjacent to a hospital, or located within a drugstore, drugstore, or grocery store.
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