Which statement best describes the function of a primary care physician in an HMO?

A primary care physician within a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) serves as a central figure in the management of a patient's overall healthcare. This role includes coordinating and overseeing all aspects of patient care, which involves evaluating patients' health needs, determining appropriate treatment plans, and facilitating referrals to specialists when necessary. This comprehensive approach allows the primary care physician to ensure continuity of care and maintain a holistic view of the patient's health.

While diagnosing and treating minor illnesses is certainly a part of their responsibilities, it doesn't encompass the full scope of managing all elements of a patient's health. Similarly, while they can prescribe medications, the statement that they can prescribe all medications without referral is inaccurate due to certain restrictions within HMOs, which often require referrals for specialized treatments or medications. They do not typically perform surgeries, as that is usually the domain of specialized physicians. Therefore, the statement that best encapsulates the primary care physician’s role in an HMO is that they manage all aspects of patient care.