According to a New York Post report, about 40% of Americans claim they put off going to the doctor.
Do you visit your doctor every year? Do you even have one?
Everyone should see a family doctor or general practitioner at least once per year. If you don’t have a relationship with one established, now’s the time to start.
But what are your healthcare options? Is family medicine the same as primary care? Let’s talk about it. Read on so you can make an informed choice.
What Is Primary Care
Primary care refers to the initial point of contact between a patient and the healthcare system. It includes the basic, routine healthcare services doctors can provide. It focuses mainly on preventive care, routine check-ups, and management of common medical conditions.
Primary care providers include family medicine physicians, pediatricians, internal medicine physicians, and OB-GYNs. Primary care includes many healthcare options.
What Is Family Medicine
Family medicine is a medical specialty. It focuses on providing comprehensive long-term healthcare to individuals and families.
Family medicine doctors, also known as family practitioners or family doctors, receive training in a broad range of medical specialties. This allows them to care for patients from infancy and childhood well into old age.
Key Similarities
Family medicine and primary care share important similarities. Both serve as the initial point of contact for patients and focus on preventive care. This includes routine check-ups, health screenings, vaccinations, and health education.
They prioritize patient-centered care and try to address physical, emotional, and social needs. Both manage chronic conditions and coordinate care with specialists when necessary. Their emphasis on health maintenance makes healthcare more accessible.
Both Family Medicine and Primary Care adopt a holistic approach. They consider psychological, social, and environmental factors that affect patients’ health. They strive to deliver high-quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare services.
Key Differences
So is family medicine the same as primary care? While primary care and family medicine are similar (and often overlap), there are differences as well.
First, the scope of practice. Family medicine encompasses a broader scope, including prenatal care, obstetrics, and surgical procedures. Primary Care may have varying scopes depending on the provider’s specialty. Some general practitioners can’t offer the same services as family medicine providers.
Family medicine typically cares for patients across their lifespan. Other primary care specialties, like pediatrics, focus on specific age groups. This could mean people have to switch doctors as they age.
Family Medicine physicians undergo training in family medicine. Primary care providers may come from various medical specialties.
Is Family Medicine the Same as Primary Care? Not Quite
So, is family medicine the same as primary care? Not exactly. However, there are many similarities, and the two are indistinguishable for many people.
Knowing the differences can help you make an informed choice for your healthcare needs. Find the healthcare professional that makes the most sense for you.
At Hillside Family Medicine, we help Anchorage families stay healthy. We offer a patient-centered approach and we strive to stay flexible so we’re available when you need care. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
