Question:
What exactly is a PCP

I keep seeing everyone talking about a PCP and i have no idea what this is or stands for. Is this something everyone needs to have?    — elifritz (posted on September 5, 2001)

September 5, 2001
PCP is short for Primary Care Physician. If you belong to an HMO, you probably do have one, they usually have to give you a referral to surgeons or other specialists. It's also a general term for whoever your basic family doctor is. If you are with a PPO or other insurance plan, you may not need one for referrals. However, we all need a doctor we can go to with general questions who will understand our specific situation and be helpful, not judgemental.
   — kcanges

September 5, 2001
for those of us who are acronymically impaired, PCP stands for Primary Care Physician. :) You should see me in the chat room trying to figure out what the heck people are talking about. I actually stumped somebody the other day with DH (dear hubby).
   — ctyst

September 5, 2001
<b>P</b>rimary <b>C</b>are <b>P</b>hysician. Some insurers require a referral from a PCP to a bariatric surgeon. Basically, it is your regular doctor who is most likely a family practitioner and not a specialist.
   — [Deactivated Member]