Mary calls an area dermatologist to have a skin consultation set up for cancer evaluation. The staff lets her know that she must have a referral from her primary care provider before she can be seen. This is an example of a managed care plan that requires that a ________ (often a generalist) be the first point of contact for the patient.

A. gatekeeper
B. physician consultant
C. primary portal
D. patient-centric provider

Answer: A