What Is a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?

Oct 2

A primary care physician (PCP), also known as a primary care provider (PCP), is a medical professional (this could be a medical doctor, a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner) who practices general medicine.

Nest Health Whole Family Healthcare provides 24/7 medical, behavioral, and social care for the entire family, making access to a PCP more convenient.

If you've been contacted by Nest or your health plan or think you and your family might be eligible, Call 866-222-NEST (6378) today.

Primary Care Physician Meaning: What Does a PCP Do?

A PCP is a patient’s first point of contact for any non-emergency-related medical concern. Further, they play an integral role in helping their patients achieve positive health outcomes and maintain long-term health.

Some of the most common health services and treatments a PCP provides include:

Routine health and wellness check-ups
Health screenings
Lab testing
Treatment options
Coordinate referrals for specialist care (if necessary)
Preventative care (e.g., vaccinations, screenings)
Chronic disease management
Prescribe medications
Perform minor procedures
Provide patient health education

Types of Primary Care Physicians

Primary care is the first point of contact for most patients and is essential for keeping families healthy. Primary Care Providers (PCPs) come from different training backgrounds, but all share the goal of delivering comprehensive, accessible, and continuous care. The most common types of PCPs include Medical Doctors (MD or DO), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), and Physician Assistants (PAs).

Types of Medical Doctors (MDs and DOs)

Medical Doctors (MDs) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are licensed physicians who diagnose, treat, and manage both acute and chronic health conditions. They complete extensive medical training and residency programs, and many choose to specialize in a particular area of care.

Common specialties for primary care physicians include:

Family Medicine Doctors – Care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. They provide wellness checkups, preventative screenings, chronic disease management, and treatment for short-term illnesses or injuries. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), family physicians deliver much of the nation’s care in underserved rural and urban areas.
Internal Medicine Doctors (Internists) – Specialize in adult healthcare, often focusing on complex diagnostic issues and managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease. Internal Medicine Doctors specialize in comprehensive adult healthcare
Pediatricians – Provide specialized care for children and adolescents from birth through age 21. They monitor growth and development, perform vaccinations, and address both minor and serious health concerns. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights their role in supporting children’s physical, emotional, and social health.Some of their most common duties include:

Health and wellness checkups
Diagnostics
Treating illnesses and injuries
Manage chronic medical conditions
Monitor patient growth and development
Perform vaccinations
Surgical procedures and in-hospital treatment care
Manage specialist referrals

Geriatricians – Focus on the healthcare needs of older adults, coordinating with other specialists to manage age-related conditions, medications, and long-term care plans.
Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OB-GYNs) – Offer reproductive healthcare and often serve as PCPs for women, covering pregnancy, postpartum care, preventive screenings (such as pap smears and breast exams), and specialized procedures. OB-GYNs can perform a diverse range of routine and specialized testing and procedures, including:

STI testing
Annual pap smears
Routine gynecological examinations
Breast examinations
Treating urinary issues
Pelvic exams
Infertility counseling and treatments
Labor and delivery
Cesarean sections
Mental health screenings

DOs, in particular, are trained in a holistic approach that considers how lifestyle, environment, and interconnected body systems affect health.

Nurse Practitioners (NPs)

Nurse Practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with graduate-level training. NPs can diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, and manage ongoing care. They often work independently or in collaboration with physicians.

Common NP roles in primary care include:

Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) – Provide lifelong care across all ages, from wellness visits to chronic disease management.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) – Specialize in children’s health, offering preventative care, growth monitoring, and illness management.

NPs often bring a patient-centered approach that emphasizes education, prevention, and personalized treatment.

Physician Assistants (PAs)

Physician Assistants are licensed clinicians who diagnose, treat, and prescribe under the supervision of a physician. PAs are trained as generalists, which means they can adapt to many different areas of medicine. Unlike physicians and nurse practitioners, PAs do not specialize through board certification. Instead, their experience is shaped by the medical settings and specialties in which they practice.

Because of their broad training, it is important for patients to understand a PA’s background and experience when selecting them as a primary care provider.

When Should You See a Primary Care Physician?

A primary care provider is often the first point of contact for all non-emergency health issues.

Some of the most common reasons to visit your PCP include:

Routine Checkups & Preventive Care: Annual physicals, vaccinations, and health and wellness screenings.
Illness & Minor Injuries: Colds, flu, infections, and minor sprains.
Mental & Behavioral Health: Anxiety, depression, and stress management.
Chronic Disease Management: High blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, etc.

Many PCPs have limited daily hours of operation. But Nest Health offers 24/7 care for patients and their families in their own homes, ensuring convenient access to a PCP at any time.

PCP vs. Emergency Care: Understanding the Difference

Research shows that 30% of Emergency Room visits could, instead, be handled by a PCP. Knowing the difference between a medical emergency and a non-critical or routine health issue will allow you to manage your health better and improve your healthcare experience.

PCPs handle non-life-threatening conditions, while ER visits are for severe injuries and life-saving emergencies.

When to Visit Your PCP

Cold and flu symptoms
Allergies
Minor cuts
Mild gastrointestinal issues
Mild infections
Chronic disease management

When to Go to the ER

Chest pain
Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress
Heart attack or stroke
Severe bleeding
Severe abdominal pain
Loss of consciousness
Severe injuries, such as bone fractures or head trauma
Life-threatening allergic reaction
Experiencing self-harm or the need to harm others

How to Choose the Right Primary Care Physician

No two primary care providers will have the same approach to medicine or communication style. Since you’ll likely remain with the same PCP for several years (if not most of your life), choosing a provider you’re comfortable with and who also aligns with your health goals is vital.

Consider the following factors when choosing the right primary care provider for you and your family:

Qualifications & Specialties

Consider their background and how long they have been practicing. Ensure the PCP you choose is suitable for your specific health needs.

Convenience & Accessibility

Research their location, office hours, and availability of telehealth services.

Communication style & Bedside manner

Are you comfortable discussing your health concerns with them and advocating for yourself? Are they actively listening to you about your health needs and treatment preferences?

Insurance & Affordability

Inquire about which insurance coverage they accept and any payment options they offer.

Nest Health simplifies the process of choosing the right PCP for you and your family. We provide comprehensive, family-centered healthcare services professionals available to visit your home 24/7.

Get Personalized, Whole-Family Care with Nest Health

Choosing the right primary care provider for you and your family doesn’t need to be complicated. Nest Health Whole Family Healthcare provides 24/7 medical, behavioral, and social care to accommodate your and your family’s needs.

You are your best advocate, so take charge of your health by scheduling a visit with a primary care provider who will listen and provide you with the care you deserve.