If you go and get a physical exam. What type of care did you just receive?

Primary care encompasses preventive services, health maintenance, and the treatment of common illnesses, with physical exams being a standard primary care service. Primary care providers such as family physicians and internists serve as the patient's main point of contact and coordinate referrals to higher levels of care when needed.

Secondary care involves specialist services to which a patient is referred by a primary care provider, such as seeing a cardiologist or orthopedic surgeon.

Tertiary care refers to highly specialized treatment provided at regional or national referral centers, such as cancer centers or trauma units.

Quaternary care is an extension of tertiary care involving highly experimental or complex procedures not widely available.