One of the best steps you can take toward improving your health and well-being is to look for a health care provider that you can develop a long-term and trusting relationship with, whether it be a family medicine or internal medicine doctor. What’s the difference between a family physician and an internist? It’s a very personal decision, and there are some factors to consider. First, though, you need to decide what type of primary care provider you’d like to have – so it’s important to understand the difference between a family physician and an internal medicine doctor.
The Specialization of a Family Medicine Doctor
A family medicine abbreviated as (FM) refers to the specialization in the intensive or comprehensive care of patients of all ranges. A family medicine involved in the practice and treatment of family medicine, and they are different from the regular doctors in the intensity of care with which they handle their patients. Family medicine doctors have a broad scope of medical knowledge, and they focus on treating the whole person. They are also equipped to deal with acute problems such as colds, fevers, infections, pains, and minor injuries.
Family medicine educates their patients on making healthy lifestyle choices, and they provide preventative care services such as routine checkups, screening tests, health-risk assessments, immunizations, and vaccinations. Family medicine also treats a variety of illnesses. They see patients who have known diseases, in addition to patients who have new ailments that require diagnosis. Family medicine doctors can treat the majority of their patients’ issues in the clinic. Issues that they are not equipped to manage in the office can be referred to other medical colleagues and specialists. Family medicine can perform basic surgeries, such as mole removals to check for cancer, or disinfecting and stitching minor injuries. In a short form, they can be your go-to doctor if you need a non-emergency service.
The Specialization of an Internal Medicine Doctor
WHILE an internal medicine doctor is also known as (internist) is a physician who specializes in the treatment, prevention, and diagnoses of diseases that affect adults. An internal medicine doctor focuses on adult medicine and treatment only. However, they have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. Internal medicine specialist spends approximately three years during their medical training studying the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. This additional training causes other doctors to turn to an internist sometimes when they are challenged with a puzzling diagnosis situation.
Many patients will first see this type of practitioner when they face a complex medical diagnosis or chronic illness that is not responding to typical treatments. These doctors can look at the whole patient and deal with a multitude of problems that could be cropping up because of their in-depth understanding of and knowledge about the disease. If your primary care physician is having a difficult time diagnosing an issue that you are having, it may be a chance to make an appointment with an internal medicine doctor. Other physicians call to get a more expert opinion, because of their role and expertise. It is advisable to get a second option and you may come across someone that can provide more insight as well as answers to all of your questions.
If you or a family member are in need of extensive treatment in adult health and care, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ben Evans of Men's Vitality Center today. As a Board Certified Internist, Dr. Evans can provide the best care and administer treatment for acute illness and injuries, chronic medical diseases, and more.
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