What is a primary care provider?

Author: Kelsey Zhao | Reviewer: James Milligan | Published: 19 March 2025 | Updated: ~

Illustration accompanying What is a primary care provider?

Primary care providers (PCPs) take care of the day-to-day health of people at all stages of life. They are often the first contact when someone has a non-emergency health concern. This person is often a family doctor, but the role can also be filled by a nurse practitioner, physician assistant. They play a central role in the care team for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and you will maintain a relationship with your PCP for many years. The responsibilities of a PCP include:

  • Diagnose and treat common health conditions.
  • Encourage and provide advice for a healthy lifestyle.
  • Conduct preventative screenings, tests, and checks.
  • Refer more complex or specific problems to specialists or programs.
  • Coordinate the care you receive from specialists, programs, etc.