Provider, Use of Term

The American Academy of Family Physicians opposes the use of the term "provider" when referring to physicians. Third party payers should never use the term "provider" as an inclusive term that lumps physicians with non-physician professionals, institutional providers and other service suppliers. The Academy supports the use of terms such as "physician" or "primary care physician" to distinguish physicians from other health care professionals. The term "physician" should be reserved for an MD or DO. (2008)