When you go to a doctor you want to make sure that you’re getting the best medical advice possible. Some practices specialize in different things. For example, there are internal medicine doctors and family practice doctors. How are you supposed to tell the difference and know which is the best option for any given medical need? Fortunately, the experts here at Matthews Internal Medicine can break down the differences and help you make the best decision for you and your family.
Age of Patients
A chief difference between internal medicine and family practice doctors can be the age of their patients. A family doctor works with patients of all ages. They might see a grandmother for an appointment and then see her grandson right after, and that child might end up going to the same family doctor for years and years.
An internist focuses mostly on adults and their health issues. Both types of doctors need a wide breadth of knowledge and the ability to assist with a wide range of health problems and medical ailments.
Specialties
One area where these two types of practices differ are in their specialties. A family doctor handles many medical needs, but often has to refer you to a specialist for certain disorders or medical problems. They don’t often have a specialty of their own.
On the other hand, internists can actually have a specialty to go along with their wide range of general medical knowledge. It’s not all that uncommon to meet an internist who also specializes in dermatology, infectious diseases, or another area of expertise. Depending on what issues you’re facing, you may be able to stick with your internist instead of needing to see a separate specialist.
Hospital Care
Many family doctors focus only on outpatient procedures. An internist might actually have admitting privileges at a hospital, depending on their specialties and training. This distinction may also have an effect on what kinds of procedures your internist can perform and when they would recommend you to a specialist instead.
Experience with Complex Diseases
An internist might have more experience treating complex diseases. A family doctor is used to dealing with patients who come in with a problem that can be solved rather quickly with a specific treatment. Some medical issues encountered in adulthood aren’t like that though. Internists deal with more complex problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These are issues that can’t be cleared up in a few visits to the doctor. Instead, they require follow ups, lifestyle changes, or medication that will eventually have to be refilled.
Women’s Health
A family doctor or internist can also have the tools and knowledge needed to handle a variety of women’s health issues. Certain kinds of exams and screenings could be handled by either type of doctor before you’re referred to a more specialized physician for particular procedures that they don’t cover.
Your Internal Medicine Experts in Matthews, NC
When you’re looking for preventative care, allergy testing, and other services in the Matthews, NC area, we’re ready to help. See how Matthews Internal Medicine can help you start living a healthier life today!