Translation guide
A doctor who provides general medical care and is usually the first point of contact for patients. In Japanese healthcare, this role is often filled by a かかりつけ医, but the system differs from Western primary care models.
The doctor you regularly see for check-ups and non-emergency illnesses.
The most common term for a family doctor or regular physician. It implies an ongoing relationship.
Please consult your primary care physician.
I have a primary care physician.
Refers to the doctor in charge of a patient's care, often used when someone has a specific condition or is hospitalized. Can also mean 'attending physician'.
I got a referral letter from my primary care physician.
Literally 'family doctor', but less common in Japan where the concept of family medicine is not as established. Used in some contexts or translations.
The family physician system is spreading.
When referring to a doctor at a local clinic who handles general medicine.
A doctor at a clinic. Often used to describe a primary care setting in Japan.
I was seen by a doctor at a local clinic (my primary care physician).
A doctor in private practice. Many primary care physicians in Japan are 開業医 running their own clinics.
When emphasizing the specialty of general practice or family medicine.
A doctor specializing in general practice. This term is becoming more common as Japan develops its general practice training.
I am aiming to become a general practitioner.
General physician, but less specific than 総合診療医. Can be used in contrast to specialists.
Let's see a general practitioner first.
かかりつけ医 is your regular doctor you visit for common issues, while 主治医 is the doctor primarily responsible for your care, often in a hospital setting or for a specific illness. You can have a かかりつけ医 who is also your 主治医 if you have a chronic condition.
In Japan, patients can often go directly to specialists without a referral, so the gatekeeper role of a primary care physician is less strict. However, having a かかりつけ医 is encouraged for better continuity of care.
Private practitioners support community healthcare.