Internal medicine and family medicine are two common terms you might see in the healthcare world, and it’s important to know the major differences so you can select the right physician to meet your needs. They both provide full care, but each has its unique aspects which may sway your decision. In this article, we’ll break down internal medicine vs. family medicine, so you can see which type of physician may be best for you.
What Is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine, or general internal medicine, is a medical specialty that applies to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions in adults. Internists are considered specialists in internal medicine. Their training is where they learn to diagnose complicated diseases and complicated physical conditions, particularly those that negatively impact adults like chronic diseases (think diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease).
Internists do not normally treat children or provide basic pediatric care. Instead, they specialize in the longitudinal care of adult patients, including those with multiple chronic illnesses. If you have a chronic illness, such as asthma, diabetes, or arthritis, an internist will often be the best fit to help manage your symptoms and ensure you stay healthy.
What Is Family Medicine?
Family medicine is a much wider field, involving the care of patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors. Family medicine physicians, or family doctors, are trained to deliver broad services that encompass the physical, emotional and mental health needs of the whole family. These physicians frequently know patients and their families well and provide them care across the life span.
Family medicine practitioners are generalists, so they are trained to treat a wide array of conditions at any age. They also emphasize preventive care, including vaccinations, routine health visits and screenings. A family doctor may be a good fit if you want a provider who can care for everyone in your household.
Internal Medicine vs Family Medicine: Key Differences
Although both specialties deliver primary care, the respective patient populations and scope of practice may differ. Now let’s dive into some of the key differences of internal medicine vs. family medicine.
Age Range
One of the most obvious differences between internal medicine and family medicine is the age range of patients they see. Most internists treat only adults, while family medicine physicians treat patients of all ages, including infants, adolescents, adults and older adults. If you’ve got kids or need to manage elderly relatives, family medicine is probably a better fit.
Focus and Expertise
Internists provide adult healthcare focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases and conditions. They are often the specialist of choice for complex medical problems in adults, including chronic conditions, heart disease and multiple comorbidities. On the other hand, family medicine physicians need to have a general approach to many regular health issues in patients of all ages. They may well manage chronic adult ills, but they can also care for kids and offer preventive services.
Preventive Care
Both internal medicine doctors and family medicine doctors can provide preventive care, but family medicine doctors may focus more on the family unit’s overall health. They may be involved in your child’s growth and development, give routine vaccinations and provide women’s health support in the form of prenatal care. Internists, by contrast, focus on preventive measures for adults, including health screenings, cancer screenings and lifestyle counseling aimed at controlling chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes.
Chronic Disease Management
If you have chronic diseases, like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, an internist may be a better match. They are specially trained to provide more focused care for adults with several ongoing health problems. But a family medicine doctor can still treat these issues, particularly if the patient is otherwise healthy or the condition is fairly straightforward.
Specialization and Referrals
Internists often train further or sub-specialize in areas such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or infectious diseases. If you have a particular health problem that requires specialized care, an internist may refer you to a specialist within his or her area of expertise. Family medicine physicians tend to refer patients to specialists in different fields but do not specialize themselves.
When To Opt for Internal Medicine?
If you’re an adult with chronic conditions or complex health problems, an internist might be the right kind of doctor for you. Internists are skilled at juggling diagnoses and medications, offering expert care for adult diseases. If, however, you do not have children, and would rather work with a physician who is an adult care physician, then internal medicine may be the appropriate option for you.
When to Opt for Family Medicine?
If you want a healthcare provider who will be able to treat every member of the family, no matter their age, consider family medicine. Family [medicine] doctors are awesome at preventive care, and the relationships that are formed last a lifetime, from someone’s first check-up to their death. Whether you require a pediatrician for your kids, care for your aging parents, or someone who can give general health hints, a family physician will fill a wide range needs.
Internal Medicine or Family Medicine
Internal medicine vs. family medicine: Pros and cons Which option is best for you depends on your health care needs. If you want to provide specialized attention to adults with complex diseases, you might want to explore internal medicine. On the contrary, if you would rather prefer the approach of one-stop-shop in treating the health-related requirements of your entire family, family medicine can be a suitable field for you.
Knowing those differences may help you navigate the process of choosing a primary care physician that makes sense for your lifestyle and health needs. If you are looking for adult care, or management plan for the whole family, both of these provide a comprehensive care approach based on your individual needs. Visit Absolute Urgent Care for more details!