Choosing a primary care physician is one of those things that sounds easy until you actually go out and begin looking. Fortunately, Jacksonville has many wonderful options, but the “right” physician for you will depend on your age, your health objectives, and whether you are selecting a physician for yourself or for your entire family. The good news is that once you know the difference between a family care physician, a family medicine physician, and an internal medicine physician (Internist), the process becomes much easier.
This is your guide. No technical terms necessary just a simple explanation of what each type of physician does and how you can make the selection with confidence.
What Is an (Internist) or Internal Medicine Physician?
Internal Medicine Specialist (Internist): An internist is a specialist who focuses on the health of adults, typically treating patients 18 and older. If you are an adult searching for a doctor who has in-depth knowledge of chronic diseases, complex symptoms, and managing conditions over a long period of time, this is probably a good choice.
Primary Specialty: Adult Medicine and Complex Care
A specialist in internal medicine has the ability to treat many different issues that affect adults, including issues that impact more than one area of the body at once. Some of the issues that they commonly treat include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid conditions, asthma, arthritis, and heart disease. They also have the ability to diagnose complex symptoms that are not easily identifiable, such as fatigue, weight, or digestion.
Typical Patient Profile
Lots of adults will choose an internal medicine specialist if they have one or more chronic conditions, take multiple medications, and want a prevention-oriented physician who also understands complex adult health. They also prefer a provider who focuses on adult patients (as opposed to all ages).
Subspecialties and Advanced Training
Some internists will choose to subspecialize (after further training) in areas such as cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, or rheumatology. Even if your physician is not a subspecialist, internal medicine training is typically very strong in complex diagnosis and management, especially for adult patients with complex health issues.
What Are Family Care Physicians?
Family medicine physicians are also trained to treat patients of all ages, and in some instances, the terms “family care” and “family medicine” are viewed as being interchangeable. However, it is important to understand what family medicine training involves and why patients choose to visit family medicine physicians.
The largest advantage of family care physicians is that they offer “today care” as well as long-term health and wellness, meaning they treat what is happening today while also monitoring risk factors over the long term. When multiple members of a family see the same physician, it is often easier to make care feel more personal and connected.
The Role of Family Medicine Physicians
Family Medicine doctors can help patients of every age and life stage, embracing overall medical knowledge, as well as preventive and maintenance healthcare. Family medicine physicians sometimes overlap with family care physicians, though they have been known to provide more comprehensive training in different overall healthcare options, including pediatrics, geriatrics, minor procedures, maternity, and overall wellness programs.
Broad-Based Training Across the Life Stages
Family medicine physicians are trained to treat patients of all ages. That includes pediatric care, adult care, geriatric care, as well as a focus on prevention and total wellness.
Overlap and Distinctions
Like family care physicians, Internists can address a broad spectrum of common concerns. It is the “full-spectrum” approach that many patients appreciate, that is, addressing lifestyle, family, stress, sleep, diet, and long-term risk factors, not just symptoms.
Services Commonly Provided
Family medicine physicians may provide the following services in a clinic:
- Pediatric care and school physicals
- Preventive screenings and wellness visits
- Geriatric care and chronic disease management
- Minor in-office procedures
- Women’s health services and basic maternity-related services (varies by provider)
- Coordination of specialist care and follow-through
If you are looking for one doctor to support your family at various points in life, family medicine physicians are definitely a good choice.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here’s the easiest way to consider it:
Internal medicine specialists work with adults and tend to excel when it comes to chronic or complex cases.
Family care physicians work with all ages and are a good option for families who want one physician to turn to.
Family medicine physicians also work with all ages and have a wide scope of practice that lends well to whole family, whole life care.
In more detail:
Age range of patients: Internal medicine is limited to adults, while family care and family medicine include patients of all ages.
Types of patients treated: Internal medicine tends to specialize in adult chronic and complex care, while family care and family medicine include preventive care, acute illness, and long-term wellness for the whole family.
Specialty focus: Internal medicine is adult-specialized, while family care and family medicine address both individuals and families throughout their lives.
Prevention vs. chronic care: All three offer prevention, but internal medicine tends to delve deeper into chronic and complex adult care.
How to Choose the Right Doctor in Jacksonville
If you are torn between two options, here are a few questions that might help make the decision easier:
1) What is your age and health situation?
If you are an adult with ongoing health issues or if you prefer a doctor who is an expert in adult health, then an internal medicine physician would be a good choice. If you are selecting a doctor for yourself and your entire family, then family care physicians or family medicine physicians would be a better choice.
2) Are you selecting a doctor for yourself or for your entire family?
If you are looking for a doctor for your entire family, then family medicine physicians and family care physicians would be a good choice.
3) What type of care do you value the most?
Do you want an expert in adult health and ongoing care for chronic conditions? Then an internal medicine physician would be a good choice.
Do you want a doctor who can take care of your entire family and develop a long-term relationship with them? Then family care physicians or family medicine physicians would be a good choice.
4) Is convenience important in the day-to-day experience?
In a busy city such as Jacksonville, it is necessary to think about the small details. The following are a few of these details:
- Location of the clinic (close to home/work/school)
- Availability of appointments (same-day or next-day scheduling)
- Hours of the clinic (early morning, evening, weekend hours)
- Method of communication (patient portal, text messaging, phone calls)
5) How do you research a provider?
It is quite simple:
- Check patient reviews (look for trends, not isolated incidents)
- Verify credentials and board certification
- Ask friends or your current physicians for recommendations
- Contact the clinic to inquire about availability for new patients and wait times
Valuecare’s Approach to Primary Health Care
At Valuecare, primary care is made to feel comprehensive, supportive, and tailored, not rushed or generic. The goal is to pair you with the right physician for your needs, whether that’s adult-oriented primary care, family-oriented primary care, or a combination of preventive and long-term care.
Valuecare can assist in this process by considering your age, medical history, present concerns, and preferences. Whether you need an internal medicine specialist for your personal care or family care physicians or family medicine physicians for family-centered care, the goal is the same: smooth care, successful prevention, and a plan that works.
Conclusion
Whether to choose between family care physicians, family medicine physicians, and internal medicine physicians is not a question of which is “better,” but rather which best suits your lifestyle and needs. If you are still unsure about where to begin, it is best to concentrate on what matters most to you, whether it is adult chronic care, family convenience, or relationship-based support, and contact Valuecare or your trusted Jacksonville physician.
Find the Right Primary Care Doctor in Jacksonville
Compare family care physicians, family medicine physicians, and an internal medicine physician to find your best fit.
