Medical care is highly variable depending on the type of physician chosen.
Family medicine and internal medicine are two commonly picked specializations during such critical stages.
One important difference to note is that although they may seem alike; there are some essential differences between these two which can affect your treatment plan.
Let’s zoom in on this concept to get an understanding of how exactly they differ.
What is Family Medicine?
Family medicine (family practice) refers to a medical specialty that delivers comprehensive health care for all age groups.
For example, family doctors are trained to diagnose and treat multiple diseases and provide continuous healthcare from infancy till old age in a wide range of illnesses.
Training and Scope of Practice
Family physicians undergo a broad-based training program that covers a wide range of medical disciplines including:
● Pediatrics.
● Internal medicine.
● Obstetrics and gynecology.
● Psychiatry and geriatrics.
With such extensive training, they can diagnose and treat diverse medical conditions which make them the most suitable primary care providers for individuals and families.
Patient-Centered Care
The family doctors are concerned about patient-centered care, which is one of their major strengths.
Not just the treatment of short-term diseases and management of long-term health problems, but also family doctors concentrate on disease prevention and maintenance of good health over a lifetime.
They often develop long-term relationships with their patients, getting to know matches the personal needs of every single patient.
What is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine on the other hand is another primary care specialty but it is narrower than family medicine.
Internists are commonly referred as internists or internal medicine physicians; they primarily take care of adults and deal with the diagnosis, treatment & management of complicated medical conditions.
Training and Specialization
Internists undergo a training program that focuses specifically on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases.
While competent in managing various health problems, their practice focuses on taking care of patients having severe medical challenges such as heart conditions, diabetes or long-standing respiratory ailments.
Hospital-Based Care
One stark difference between family practice and internal medicine lies in the setting where they provide healthcare services.
Family physicians most often render outpatient services including clinics and private offices while internists usually work at outpatient and inpatient settings, including hospitals.
Internists often take care of patients admitted to hospitals, thus ensuring that the treatment is coordinated and complications are managed.
Collaborative Care
Despite this, internists frequently cooperate with other medical practitioners such as surgeons and allied health professionals in order to offer total care for their patients.
They can also work in collaboration with primary care doctors involving family practice physicians to facilitate continuous care and provide a platform for effective communication.
What Is the Difference Between Family Medicine and Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine vs family medicine: The distinction between family medicine and internal medicine lies in their scope of practice and patient focus.
Family medicine emphasizes comprehensive care for people of all ages and internal medicine specializes in the care of adults especially those with complicated medical conditions.
Which Specialty Is Right for You?
When it comes to choosing between family medicine and internal medicine, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Consequently, your decision should be guided by your own healthcare needs, personal tastes, or circumstances.
If you want someone who will treat everybody in your household including newborns as well as old people then maybe going for a doctor who practices generalist approach might be a good idea.
Family medicine offers the convenience of having one primary care provider for the whole family which can simplify scheduling and coordination of care.
On the other hand, if you are an adult with complex medical conditions or if you require specialized care, an internist may be better suited to meet your needs.
Internists have specialized training in managing adult diseases and are skilled at diagnosing and treating complex medical issues.
Conclusion
So what is the difference between family medicine and internal medicine? They both share some similarities as primary care specialties but they also have important differences in terms of scope of practice, training and focus of care.
Whether you choose a family physician or an internist as your primary care provider, the most important thing is to find a doctor who you trust and feel comfortable with and who can provide the personalized care and support you need to stay healthy.
For more information and support, Reach out to us at Primary Care of Kansas.
FAQs
Internal Medicine vs Family Practice?
Internal Medicine focuses on adult health and Family Practice covers people of all ages.
What are the subspecialties of Family Medicine?
Subspecialties include:
● Sports medicine.
● Geriatrics.
● Obstetrics.
● Adolescent medicine.
How can I find an Internal Medicine MD near me?
You can search online, check with your insurance provider, or ask for referrals from friends, family or your current doctor.Set secondary image
How are Internal Medicine and wellness related?
Internal Medicine highlights preventive care and managing chronic conditions, which has to do with one’s overall wellness.
Is Psychiatry considered primary care?
No, Psychiatry isn’t considered primary care.
What’s the difference between General Practice and Family Medicine?
General Practice covers a range of medical specialties and Family Medicine focuses on providing thorough care to people and families of all ages.
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