Physicians Are Not Providers: The Ethical Significance of Names in Health Care: A Policy Paper From the American College of Physicians

(from the April 2026 Annals for Educators)

The use of the term provider to describe physicians and other health professionals has been cited by leaders in medicine as an example of the de-professionalization of health professionals. The use of provider has been reviewed in medical journal articles but has not been explored adequately as a matter of ethics and professionalism. This article examines the trends, significance, and implications for patients, physicians, and health care of use of the term provider.

Use this article to:

• Do you agree or disagree with the American College of Physicians' recommendation to avoid the term provider when referring to physicians?
• Do you believe that avoiding the term provider will influence the way the public views physicians?
• What terms do you think should be used when referring to a group that includes physicians and other people involved in patient care?

Annals for Educators is a Web Exclusives feature of Annals of Internal Medicine which includes activities using selected Annals articles to help medical educators in their teaching activities.

Back to the May 2026 issue of ACP IMpact