Many people are perplexed by the family medicine vs general medicine question, or by the difference between general practice and family practice.
That’s understandable. These two branches of medicine have so many similarities and overlaps that it can be tough to tell them apart.
As we age, choosing the right type of doctor becomes more important. For patients managing chronic conditions or looking for whole-person care in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans, IntraCare has doctors who can meet your unique needs.
Are general practice and family medicine providers the same as primary care providers (PCPs)?
According to the American Academy of General Physicians, general medicine providers (also called general practice) and family medicine providers are types of PCPs, that also includes internal medicine, and pediatrics. Let’s go over the differences of general physicians and family physicians.
General physicians
General physicians do not necessarily specialize in any one particular illness or disease. Instead, they focus on keeping you healthy as a whole. General medicine is especially important if you’re an adult patient who needs regular checkups, long-term care, or help managing multiple health issues.
- Provides overall care.
- Treats a wide range of health problems, from infections to chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Manages complex or multiple conditions.
- Conducts Medicare Annual Wellness Visits for patients with Medicare Advantage plans.
- Refers patients to specialists if needed.
Read more: Can a primary care physician treat diabetes?
Family medicine: Care for all ages
A family medicine doctor is also a PCP trained to care for people of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, adults, and seniors.
Since families often include people of different ages, many prefer to choose one doctor who can care for everyone. Instead of seeing a separate specialist for each family member, a family medicine doctor offers a convenient, all-in-one solution.
When children, parents, and grandparents all see the same doctor, that doctor gets to know the family’s health history, lifestyle, and environment. This deeper understanding can help spot health issues early and identify patterns that run in the family.
- Are trained in many areas, including child care, senior care, women’s health, mental health, and more.
- Diagnose, treat, and prevent both acute illnesses and long-term chronic conditions.
- Do minor surgical procedures like stitching up a cut, removing a skin lesion, or performing a biopsy on a suspicious-looking mole.
- May do home visits.
- Care for both physical and mental health.
- Build strong, lasting relationships with patients.
Read more: 6 signs of a good doctor
Which doctor is right for you?
As family medicine comes under the larger umbrella of general medicine, you can certainly see a family medicine doctor for your health needs.
But you may also consider a doctor of internal medicine who has deeper experience with treating complex health conditions in older adults.
When is family medicine preferable for senior adults?
It depends on your health needs. A family medicine doctor should be able to provide excellent care if you:
- Value a long-term relationship with a provider who knows your family and lifestyle.
- Want continuous care across life stages, including mental and social support.
- Are mostly healthy and want someone to monitor your wellness from year to year.
- Want to continue with a provider you’ve been seeing for years already, long before you turned 65.
- Want help in managing one or two common chronic conditions, like high cholesterol or early-stage diabetes.
When should a senior adult go for an internist?
Internists have more in-depth knowledge of health conditions that specifically affect adults. You might want to see an internist if you:
- Have complex adult conditions, such as multiple serious chronic diseases.
- Are seeing one or more specialists, so need thorough and meticulous care coordination.
- Require frequent hospital care.
- Take multiple prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and other supplements, so need someone to be vigilant about your medication management and medication adherence.
Click here to find internists in Texas
Can’t decide?
The two scenarios below may help in figuring out what kind of doctor you need.
Scenario 1: Margaret, 66, Phoenix, AZ
Margaret should do just fine with her family medicine doctor for the foreseeable future. | Scenario 2: David, 72, Bedford, TX
David should see an internist experienced in delivering the specialized care he needs. |
How Medicare covers general medicine and family medicine
Medicare-eligible adults enrolled in Original Medicare can get care from any PCP, general physician, family medicine doctor, or internist who accepts Medicare.
Patients enrolled in Medicare Advantage (known as Medicare Part C plans, provided by private insurance companies) can receive care from any primary care provider, general physician, family medicine doctor, or internist who is a member of their plan’s provider network.
Choosing the right doctor at IntraCare Health Centers
IntraCare Health Centers across Arizona and Texas are staffed with skilled, board-certified and experienced primary care providers, general physicians, family medicine doctors, and internal medicine primary care doctors who provide whole-person healthcare designed specifically for older adults.
Our doctors don’t just treat problems; they help prevent them with early diagnosis, regular check-ups, medication reviews, and lifestyle support to keep you healthy and independent.
We proudly help seniors in Texas and Arizona enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans stay strong, active, and in control of your health.
Find the right doctor near you
Browse our provider directory to connect with top-rated primary care physicians, internists, and family medicine doctors. Learn more about our services, from chronic disease management and wellness programs to Medicare guidance and ongoing care.
- Find providers by specialty, Medicare plan, and location.
- Compare provider profiles, reviews, and availability.
- Check for telehealth, home visit options, languages spoken, and office hours.
Browse IntraCare doctors’ directory to find the right internist for you in Arizona and Texas
Making an appointment is easy
Click here to schedule a check-up, a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, or just a ‘get to know you’ meeting with your nearest IntraCare provider today, and take the sure step towards better health.
Final thoughts
When choosing a family medicine doctor or a general medicine doctor, consider your unique medical history, specific needs, support preferences, and lifestyle.
Both fit within primary care under Medicare coverage, and there’s no right or wrong, only the best fit for you.