Your primary care physician, also commonly known as a PCP, is your main health care provider and is involved in your short and long-term medical care. Your PCP provides preventive care, teaches healthy lifestyle choices, identifies and treats common medical conditions, assesses the urgency of your medical problems and refers you to medical specialists when necessary.
To determine which type of primary care doctor is best for you can sometimes be a difficult task, as the focus of each type of physician is somewhat different. Below are some helpful facts to assist you in choosing the doctor that’s best for you and your family.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians are physicians trained to care for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents up to the age of 18. They attend four years of medical school followed by three years of residency training that is focused exclusively on the diseases and illnesses that affect children. They provide both preventive care for healthy children and treat children who are injured or ill. They specialize in childhood diseases, growth, and emotional health.
Family Medicine Doctors
Family Medicine physicians are trained to care for patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They attend four years of medical school followed by three years of residency training that is focused on care for the whole family. Family Medicine physicians provide preventive care, diagnose and treat illnesses, and manage chronic and complex conditions over a patient’s entire lifetime.
Internal Medicine Doctors
Internal Medicine physicians are trained to care for adult patients from late teens to the elderly. They attend four years of medical school followed by three years of residency training that is focused exclusively on the diseases and illnesses that affect adults. Internal medicine physicians provide preventive care, diagnose and treat acute and chronic medical conditions and manage all medical needs in a patient’s adult years.
| Similarities | Differences | |||||
| Pediatricians & Family Medicine Doctors | Both Pediatricians and Family Medicine physicians care for newborns, infants, children, and adolescents. They provide preventive care such as routine check-ups and immunizations, as well as diagnose, treat, and manage acute and chronic illnesses. | While Pediatricians specialize exclusively in managing the health care of children — newborns to adolescents — Family Medicine physicians are trained to care for patients of all ages — from infants to the elderly. | ||||
| Family Medicine & Internal Medicine Doctors | Both Family Medicine and Internal Medicine physicians care for adult patients from late teens to the elderly. They provide preventive healthcare and diagnose, treat and manage a variety of illnesses and conditions. | While Family Medicine physicians specialize in caring for the whole family, including children, Internal Medicine physicians focus exclusively on caring for adult patients. |
No matter what PCP you choose at Duly Health and Care, all of our physicians are highly trained and strive to provide the best care for you and your family!
Find a pediatrician, internal medicine or family medicine doctor near you today >
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