Definition of "Primary Care Physician"

A primary care physician holds a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy degree, and is most often trained in family practice, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology.

Physicians of other specialties (MDs or DOs) may also choose to provide primary care under those circumstances in which they assume the responsibility for all aspects of the patient's care, including continuing care, treatment and referral of the patient.

A primary care physician has maintained a general clinical practice and appropriate continuing medical education. (Reaffirmed A-19)

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Abbreviations for House of Delegates report origination:

EC – Executive Committee; BT – Board of Trustees; CPA – Council on Professional Affairs; JC – Judicial Council; CHS – Community and Health Services