When you’re sick or injured, knowing who to turn to can make the experience much less stressful. The last thing you want to do when you’re in need of medical attention is weigh the pros and cons of one type of provider against another. Picking a provider now before you need their care can save undue stress in the future, but that process isn’t quite as simple as it sounds, especially when choosing between two similar practices like family medicine and primary care.
While alike in many ways, these two areas of medicine can serve distinct medical purposes depending on the treatment you’re seeking. Learn the differences between family medicine and primary care and make an informed decision when you need to be seen.
What Is Family Medicine?
The National Institutes of Health defines family medicine as a medical specialty caring for common and long-term illnesses in both children and adults. Family medicine focuses on overall health and well-being with an emphasis on continuity of care throughout a patient’s life. In other words, a family medicine physician, often referred to as a family doctor, knows a patient and their family and is capable of handling most of their medical needs. Additionally, because a family medicine physician is so familiar with a patient and their family, they’re also familiar with their medical history and can base diagnoses and treatments around chronic conditions or medications.
What Is Primary Care?
Primary care is a vast field of medicine that includes physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. According to HealthCare.gov, primary care is a nonspecialized form of medicine covering prevention, wellness, and treatments for common illnesses. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are usually a first point of contact and may recommend you to a medical specialist if your illness or condition is beyond the scope of their services.
So, How Do I Choose?
Because their medical services can overlap, choosing between a family doctor and a PCP can be confusing. As you research healthcare providers, keep in mind the importance of continuity of care as well as urgency and how these two factors affect your healthcare needs at a given moment.
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- Choose a family medicine physician if you’re looking for someone who has a detailed record of you and your family’s medical history and can prescribe medicines and treatments accordingly.
- Choose a primary care physician if you’re looking for basic medical care on an as-needed, after-hours, or urgent basis, or if you do not see a regular doctor or physician.
Make an informed decision on your family’s healthcare needs. Schedule an appointment at Warner Family Healthcare by calling 217-937-5284 or visit the Warner Walk-in Clinic for immediate, routine care when you need it most.
