When choosing a primary care provider, or PCP, you can choose internal medicine and family medicine doctors. But what’s the difference? And how do you know which type of doctor is best for you?
What Is Family Medicine?
Family medicine is the term for a medical practice that serves people of all ages.
A family medicine doctor treats everyone from young children to seniors. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They also provide preventive care, routine screenings, and immunizations.
Family doctors offer a continuum of care, meaning they can see some patients for most of their lives. This means they get to know their medical histories.
What Is an Internal Medicine Doctor?
Internal medicine is the term for doctors who diagnose and treat diseases of the internal organs. Internal medicine practices mostly treat adults.
Internists treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Unlike specialists, they are not limited to one organ system or medical issue. They have training to deal with many medical conditions.
Internal medicine training involves learning about a wide range of medical conditions. Internists may also gain experience in subspecialties such as rheumatology, endocrinology, sports medicine, and others.
Family Medicine Doctors and Internal Medicine Doctors
Although the two overlap in many areas, the difference is that family medicine physicians generally see patients of all ages, including young children, while internists focus on adults. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between these two types of primary care doctors:
- Both internists and family medicine doctors focus on the total health of their patients and work to promote wellness and disease prevention.
- Internists’ training primarily focuses on general medical conditions common to adults. Many internists receive subspecialty training in other areas, such as sleep medicine, neurology, dermatology, or geriatrics.
- Family medicine physicians also receive hospital training and focus on outpatient care. Some family medicine providers have training in pediatrics. Family medicine doctors treat individuals – you don’t, however, need to be part of a family to have a family medicine doctor.
Should I See a Family Practice Doctor or an Internal Medicine Doctor?
Both family practice and internal medicine doctors can serve as your primary care physician.
You should see a family practice doctor if:
- You have a family and want the same practice to treat your whole family.
- A close, long-term relationship with your doctor is important to you.
You should see an internal medicine doctor if:
- You’re an adult and looking for a doctor with expertise in multiple areas.
- You’re looking for a PCP who also has experience in specific area such as cardiology.
Finding the Primary Care That’s Right for You
An advantage of having a family medicine doctor is that one doctor can care for your whole family. You and your kids have continuity of care, and the same doctor can access your family’s medical records from childhood through adulthood.
When deciding which type of doctor to see, your best approach is to find the physician you feel most comfortable with. Both types of doctors have the training to manage conditions ranging from common to complex.
Visit the office, talk with the providers and staff, and ask about their approaches to care. Then choose what is best for you as an individual, or for you and your family.
Find a UPMC doctor who’s a good fit for you.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .