A licensed medical physician [a Medical Doctor (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)] who directly provides or coordinates a range of health care services for patients.
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and some Exclusive Provider Organizations (EPOs) require patients to select an in-network PCP to direct a patient’s/member’s care. With an exception for an OBGYN, most HMOs and some EPOs do not allow a patient to go to a medical specialist without a PCP referral.
Services are typically free only if delivered by a doctor or other provider in your health plan’s provider network.
A PCP may also refer to a Primary Care Provider, which may include an M.D., D.O., nurse practitioner, clinical nurse, or physician assistant, depending on your state laws.