The difference between internal medicine and family medicine

When looking for a primary care provider (PCP), you may have come across the terms “general practitioner,” “internal medicine doctor,” “family doctor,” “nurse practitioners,” and more. While each and every one of the physicians can be primary care providers, it may not be the best idea to just pick one as your PCP without considering some factors.

For instance, a lot of people use internal medicine doctor and primary care doctor interchangeably, not knowing that they are not always one and the same. Internal medicine doctors may be primary care providers, but not all primary care providers are internal medicine doctors.

Let’s talk about the differences between internal medicine doctors and primary care doctors, so you can make a sound decision on who to see.

Primary Care Doctors

Primary care doctors may be family medicine practitioners, pediatricians, or internal medicine doctors. A primary care doctor is the first line of defense when it comes to your medical care. Anytime you are sick, the first doctor you visit is your primary care physician. You visit your primary care doctor when you get the flu, cold, or back pain as well as when you need annual check-ups and vaccinations.

Primary care physicians take care of specific. groups of individuals. For example, pediatricians are primary care physicians who care for children only. Internal medicine physicians are primary care physicians who treat adults. Family medicine doctors are primary care physicians who treat both. Each of them has specialized training and experience to adequately treat certain groups of people. Depending on who you are, you should choose accordingly.

Also called an internist, an internal medicine doctor specializes in the care of adults. An internal medicine doctor is essentially a specialist in medical care for adults. An internal medicine doctor can be your primary care provider. They have the knowledge, special training, and experience in diagnosing and treating simple and complex injuries and diseases that most often affect adults. They put a heavy emphasis on the prevention of diseases and chronic disease management that adults are most likely to develop.

Choosing The Right Primary Care Doctor

You should choose a primary care doctor who suits your needs. An internal medicine doctor is often the best suited for adults because they have a wealth of experience and skills treating all types of health issues that adults are prone to developing. Visit one today to see how they can be of service to you.

Internal Medicine Doctors in Irmo, South Carolina

At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, our physicians offer compassionate and patient-centered care. We believe in building long-term relationships with our patients in order to deliver the highest quality care. Our goal is to change the landscape of medicine by making a positive impact in the lives of our patients and helping improve their quality of life.

To schedule a consultation with SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation at (803) 749-1111 or send us an appointment request now.

What is the difference between a family doctor and an internist?

The distinct difference between a family medicine doctor and an internal medicine doctor (internist) is that a family doctor treats patients of all ages, while an internist specializes in the care and treatment of only adults. Choose a Providence Medical Group primary care physician that best meets your needs.

The primary care physicians at Providence Medical Group include internists, pediatricians and family doctors. We want to ensure you and your family have access to the type of care that will be best for your health care and wellness needs throughout the stages of life.

A family doctor cares for patients at every stage of life from birth through old age, whereas an internist is trained in the care and management of chronic, severe and complex illness for adult and elderly patients.

If you're an adult with children, choosing a family doctor could be the best fit since it may be more convenient for the entire family to be cared for by the same doctor. If you're an adult with multiple or complex medical issues, then seeing an internist may be your best bet.

Ultimately, the right physician for you is the one you trust.