A family practice and a general practice share strikingly overlapping characteristics, making it difficult for a layperson to tell them apart. If you’re looking for a doctor, how do you know which type of physician to choose?
Let’s talk about the differences and similarities between these two types of medical practices, and where you can go in the Midlands for family medicine and comprehensive medical care.
What Is a Family Medical Practice?
Family practice is a specialty field of medicine that focuses on maintaining the health of the whole family – from newborns to the elderly. A doctor who practices family medicine is a primary care physician who has a comprehensive, broad focus, rather than specializing in a particular field.
A primary care doctor who specializes in children is called a pediatrician, whereas a primary care doctor who serves adults is called an internist, or internal medicine specialist. A family doctor practices medicine on patients of all ages. Plus, they can refer you to a specialist when needed.
In order to become a family doctor, one has to complete medical school and pass either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX).
Then, they complete three or four years of residency (the first year is called an internship), in which they receive training in various areas of medicine. During the residency, they will get hands-on experience in all of the following areas of medicine:
- Internal medicine (adult medicine)
- Surgery
- Pediatrics (children’s medicine)
- Obstetrics and gynecology
- Psychiatry and neurology
Responsibilities of a Family Physician
Family physicians are responsible for providing the following medical services to patients of all ages:
- Screening tests
- Assessment of health risks
- Diagnosis and treatment for chronic conditions
- Immunizations and vaccinations
- Routine checkups for people of all ages
- Counseling on health, wellness, and diet
What Is a General Practitioner?
Compared to family doctor, a general practitioner (GP) usually treats patients in an emergency room or urgent care setting – where a doctor needs to be able to quickly and efficiently assess, diagnose, and treat patients for acute and chronic illnesses. GPs can also refer you to a medical specialist when needed.
A general practitioner is responsible for offering the following services:
- Diagnosing and treating acute and chronic illnesses/injuries
- Prescribing and administering treatment as necessary
- Conducting follow-up care
- Administering immunizations and vaccinations
Family Practice in the Midlands and Irmo, SC
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, our family medicine practitioners are experienced in treating men, women, and children. Our comprehensive practice offers everything from annual checkups to screening equipment, and even a sleep lab and a special weight loss center.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our outstanding family physicians here in Irmo, contact us today by calling us at (803) 749-1111 or by filling out our convenient appointment request form online now. We look forward to providing medical care for you and your whole family!
