In a managed care plan, the primary care provider (PCP) serves as a:

In a managed care plan, the primary care provider (PCP) acts as a gatekeeper. This role involves managing and coordinating patient care by overseeing referrals to specialists and ensuring that patients receive appropriate services within the managed care framework. The PCP is typically the first point of contact for patients and is responsible for evaluating their health needs and determining the most suitable course of action.

By gatekeeping, the primary care provider helps control healthcare costs and ensure that patients access the most effective, necessary treatments while minimizing unnecessary procedures or specialist visits. This practice emphasizes a more structured and cost-efficient approach to healthcare delivery, as it helps manage the overall utilization of services within the plan.

In contrast, the other roles listed—such as a third-party payer, quality assurance coordinator, or preferred provider organization—do not encompass the full scope of responsibilities associated with the PCP's function in managing patient care within a managed care plan. Each of these roles pertains to different aspects of healthcare management and insurance, but they do not directly relate to the gatekeeping function that the PCP provides.