Choosing the right physician for you or for your loved ones is one of life’s most important decisions. However, you may be confused about which kind of physician you need. In this article, you will learn the key differences between internal medicine and family medicine so you can make an informed choice.
Internal Medicine: What Does it Mean?
Internal medicine physicians are often referred to as internists or doctors of internal medicine. These doctors specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating adult diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular, and thyroid disease. I
Internal medicine physicians undergo extensive training in these areas–beyond the normal medical school and residency requirements. They are equipped to handle complex medical cases and perform complicated procedures, such as colonoscopy and cardiac stent placement.
Examples of internal medicine doctors are cardiologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, and endocrinologists. While they have received additional training in subspecialties, these providers may serve as primary care physicians for adults as well. They attend to general adult health needs and coordinate care with other specialty healthcare providers when necessary.
Finally, internal medicine physicians practice in both inpatient and outpatient settings, such as hospitals or clinics. They also may deliver medical services in their own private or group practices.
If you are an adult seeking medical treatment for a specific condition or just looking for a primary care physician, consider consulting with an internal medicine doctor. With their specialized training and experience, these doctors are equipped to handle a wide range of health concerns.
Family Medicine: What Does it Mean?
While internal medicine focuses on adult healthcare, family medicine encompasses all ages, from newborns to seniors. Family medicine physicians are trained in a variety of medical areas, including pediatrics, gynecology, and geriatrics. They provide comprehensive care for their patients and can act as the primary point of contact for all their medical needs–from treating pneumonia and orthopedic injuries to managing long-term problems, such as asthma.
One of the main differences between internal medicine and family medicine is that family physicians take a more holistic approach to healthcare. This means they not only treat physical ailments but also consider their patients’ emotional and social well-being. They also focus on family dynamics and conditions that may affect families due to genetic factors.
Family medicine doctors deliver preventive care, such as vaccinations, screenings for cancer, diabetes, and other serious conditions, and routine check-ups. Additionally, family medicine doctors analyze how lifestyle impacts health–both physically and emotionally.
In fact, mental health screenings are part of routine check-ups with a family doctor. As such, these healthcare providers emphasize patient education on how to live the healthiest life possible.
Furthermore, as a patient’s true medical home, the family medicine practice maintains and distributes the electronic health record, or paperless chart, as needed. The doctor and support team ensure the privacy, accuracy, and confidentiality of that record.
Which Kind of Doctor Is Best for You?
The choice of a healthcare provider for you or for your family is a highly personal decision. However, many people prefer family medicine doctors due to the comprehensive care they provide.
With a family doctor, you can have all of your medical needs addressed in one convenient location. Plus, the continuity of care and strong doctor-patient relationships fostered by family medicine practices improve health outcomes for infants, children, teens, adults, and seniors.
On the other hand, an internal medicine doctor may be best for you if you have a chronic or very complex medical condition, such as lung disease, cancer, or poorly controlled diabetes. Internal medicine doctors, however, only treat adults (typically ages 18 and older). Some of these physicians do, however, train in the subspecialty of geriatrics (care for the elderly) or pediatrics (care for children).
Choosing Internal Medicine or Family Medicine Doctors
Whichever you choose, Hudson MD Group in West Orange, NJ, is the physician group that provides the healthcare you need for a vibrant life, healthy lifestyle, and longevity. We make sure our patients have all the tools they need to prevent acute and chronic disease and to manage current conditions successfully.
To learn more about us and to choose a healthcare provider, please contact us by calling (973) 705-4914. We are a highly regarded and trusted physician’s group with specialties to fit your needs. You also may request your visit online here. We look forward to serving you!
