A physician (Provider, Doctor) who provides or coordinates a range of health care covered services for a patient. Most HMO, EPO and POS plans require that members choose or be assigned to a PCP. The PCP is responsible for providing or referring all care (hospitalization, diagnostic and specialty referrals) for PCPs assigned members. Depending on the type of health plan and the individuals benefit plan, specialist or other providers’ services may not be a covered service without a referral from the patient’s PCP.