Perspectives

Words Matter: The Dubious Term “Provider”

Authors: David Goldenberg, MD

Abstract

Words matter. One only need conduct a cursory PubMed search to find thousands of results with this title and on this subject. The Words Matter Movement states that we must be “careful, thoughtful, and deliberate” communicators. We are told that the wrong words lead to stereotypes, bias, harm, and adverse health outcomes. Words such as “drug seeker,” “frequent flyer,” “convict,” “noncompliant,” and “homeless,” although potentially accurate and descriptive, are said to be harmful and disrespectful. Note, however, that these words all refer to patients. With that in mind, let us examine some other words used in the medical field.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Baldridge JD. The Joy in Business. Innovative Ideas to Find Positivity (and Profit) in Your Daily Work Life. New York: Wiley; 2019.
 
2. Oxford English Dictionary Online. https://www.oed.com/. Accessed May 27, 2023.
 
3. Scarff J. What’s in a name? The problematic term “provider.” Fed Pract 2021;38:446-448.
 
4. Paydarfar D. Dear provider. JAMA 2011;305:2046.
 
5. Lopatin M. The devaluation of doctors. https://www.namd.org/journal-of-medicine/2389-the-devaluation-of-doctors.html. Published 2019. Accessed May 27, 2023.
 
6. Swensen SJ, Meyer GS, Nelson EC, et al. Cottage industry to postindustrial care—the revolution in health care delivery. N Engl J Med 2010;362:e12.
 
7. McLean RM. President’s message: defining our identity does not include the “p word.” https://acpinternist.org/archives/2019/09/defining-our-identity-does-not-include-the-p-word.htm. Published September 2019. Accessed May 27, 2023.
 
8. Hartzband P, Groopman J. The new language of medicine. N Engl J Med 2011;365:1372-1373.
 
9. Shlain J. Doctor, nurse! ... oh, wait, you’re a provider? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20141202203735-30819-cracking-open-medical-jargon-case-4-provider. Published 2014. Accessed May 27, 2023.
 
10. Dhand S. When the doctor became the “provider.” https://suneeldhand.com/2015/09/29/lets-stop-all-this-provider-stuff/. Published September 29, 2015. Accessed May 27, 2023.