Gatekeeper

What Does Gatekeeper Mean?

A gatekeeper is a healthcare provider who serves as the first point of contact for patients and determines the level of care they will receive next. Primary care physicians often act as gatekeepers in the healthcare system. In many health insurance plans, patients can only see specialists if they have a referral from a gatekeeper.

Insuranceopedia Explains Gatekeeper

Gatekeepers play a crucial role in the healthcare system. Not only are they often the first line of defense in treating illnesses or injuries, but they also serve the important function of triaging patients. Essentially, they assess what is wrong with the patient and determine which specialist or level of care is needed next to resolve the issue. Therefore, gatekeepers are vital both for patients and the overall healthcare system.