Ask the Experts: Family Practice or Internal Medicine?
Q: My husband and I and our three children have gone to the same Family Practice physician for many years. The children are now grown and on their own. We recently moved to this area and are finding it difficult to face the drive south to our doctor. We are thinking about choosing a doctor in this area. I am confused about the difference between Family Practice and Internal Medicine physicians. Which would be better for us to choose?--R.C., Lakewood
A: Many people are unclear as to the role of an internist in health care. We are primary care physicians for adults, from teen years through old age. We focus, in depth, on your needs as an adult patient.
During training, internists devote themselves entirely to learning how to prevent, diagnose and treat diseases that may affect you, as you grow older. We are interested in, and capable of, managing any of your concerns. Daily we handle basic health care needs, such as breast cancer screening, annual pelvic exams, and colonoscopy. We treat depression and work with patients who have chronic pain issues. Many of our patients have diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, gastrointestinal disorders and neurologic disorders. When other medical specialists are needed we coordinate care and manage difficult medical problems that may arise.
Internists care for you as a whole. For example, if you have diabetes and come to see me for a cough and sore throat, I will not only treat those symptoms but also make sure you have information on yearly flu shots and the pneumonia vaccine. I will also evaluate your blood pressure, kidney function, and inspect your feet for loss of sensation. I will make sure you have had a recent eye exam, hemoglobin A1c and cholesterol level. All of these are important in preventing the complications of diabetes.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.