Secondary care

Medical services provided by medical specialists who generally do not have first contact with patients (e.g., cardiologists, urologists, dermatologists). In managed care plans, the patient is seen by the primary care physician and then may be referred to secondary and/or tertiary providers as needed.

Secondary diagnosis

Reason subsequent to the primary diagnosis for an office or hospital encounter that may contribute to the condition or define the need for a higher level of care but is not the underlying cause. There may be more than one secondary diagnosis. See other diagnoses .