The main difference is that family medicine doctors treat patients of all ages while internal medicine doctors focus only on adults. Your choice depends on your age, family situation, and health needs.
Finding the right primary care doctor is one of the most important health decisions you’ll make. Both family medicine and internal medicine doctors provide excellent care, but they serve different patients in different ways. This guide will help you understand which type of doctor is best for you and your family.
What Is Family Medicine?
Family medicine doctors, also called family practitioners, are like the Swiss Army knives of healthcare. They take care of patients from birth to old age. These doctors see everyone in your family – from your newborn baby to your 90-year-old grandpa.
What Family Medicine Doctors Do
Family doctors handle a wide range of health issues:
- Newborn and baby care – First checkups, shots, and growth tracking
- Child health – Treating colds, flu, and childhood diseases
- Teen care – Sports physicals, acne treatment, and health education
- Adult care – Annual checkups, chronic disease management, and preventive care
- Senior care – Managing age-related health problems and medications
Family medicine doctors care for people of all ages – from infants through the elderly. They truly become your family’s healthcare partner for life.
Benefits of Choosing Family Medicine
One Doctor for Everyone The biggest advantage is having one doctor who knows your whole family. It is also easier to share your family health history with a family medicine doctor who sees other members of your family at the same time. This helps them spot health patterns that might run in families.
Long-Term Relationships Family doctors often care for patients for decades. Having long-term relationships with my patients means I can see someone grow older and be involved in every step of their health care. This deep knowledge helps them provide better, more personal care.
Convenience for Families When multiple family members get sick, you can often see the same doctor. This saves time and makes healthcare much easier to manage. You also only need to remember one doctor’s phone number and office location.
What Is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine doctors, called internists, are specialists in adult healthcare. “We’re all primary care physicians, but the biggest difference is internal medicine doctors are like adult pediatricians,” explains Saju Mathew, M.D.
What Internal Medicine Doctors Do
Internists focus on complex adult health issues:
- Chronic disease management – Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure
- Complex diagnoses – Solving puzzling health problems
- Multiple health conditions – Managing patients with several health issues at once
- Preventive care – Adult screenings, vaccinations, and wellness exams
- Hospital care coordination – Managing care during hospital stays
Internists serve as primary care doctors for people who need routine care, but we have the added advantage that we’ve been specially trained to help patients who have multiple medical problems or uncontrolled medical problems.
Benefits of Choosing Internal Medicine
Deep Adult Medicine Knowledge Internists spend extra years learning about adult diseases. This makes them experts at handling complex health problems that affect adults.
Complex Case Management If you have multiple health conditions, internists excel at managing them together. They understand how different adult health problems interact with each other.
Specialist Coordination Internists work closely with heart doctors, cancer doctors, and other specialists. They help coordinate your care when you need to see multiple doctors.
Key Differences Between Family Medicine and Internal Medicine
Age of Patients
This is the biggest difference:
- Family Medicine: All ages (birth to death)
- Internal Medicine: Adults only (18+ years old)
A general estimate from the American College of Physicians is that “a typical family medicine practice might see 10% to 15% children, meaning that 85% to 90% of patients will be adults, the same population seen by internists.”
Training Differences
Both doctors complete medical school and three years of residency training, but their focus differs:
Family Medicine Training
- Covers all age groups
- Includes pediatrics, women’s health, and geriatrics
- More outpatient (office) focus
- Emphasis on preventive care and wellness
Internal Medicine Training
- Focuses only on adult medicine
- Deep training in adult diseases
- More hospital-based training
- Emphasis on complex medical conditions
Family medicine involves more outpatient care while internal medicine has more of an emphasis on inpatient care.
Scope of Practice
Family Medicine Scope
- Broader but less deep in each area
- Treats common conditions across all ages
- Strong focus on prevention and wellness
- Coordinates care for whole families
Internal Medicine Scope
- Deeper but narrower focus
- Specializes in adult medical conditions
- Strong in complex disease management
- Expert in adult chronic conditions
How to Choose the Right Doctor for You
Consider Your Age and Life Stage
If You’re Under 30 Either type of doctor can work well. If you’re healthy and mainly need routine care, family medicine might be perfect. If you have ongoing health issues, internal medicine could be better.
If You’re 30-50 Both are good options. Consider whether you have kids or plan to have them. Family doctors can care for your whole family as it grows.
If You’re Over 50 Internal medicine doctors have extra training in age-related health problems. However, family doctors also provide excellent care for older adults.
Think About Your Family Situation
If You Have Young Children Family medicine is often the better choice. Many people find it beneficial to choose one doctor for their entire family. Doing so lets your doctor get to know your family’s unique dynamics and become familiar with possible genetic health risks and family health histories.
If You Care for Aging Parents Family doctors can care for both you and your elderly parents. This makes coordinating family healthcare much easier.
If You Live Alone Either type works well. Your choice might depend more on your health needs than your family situation.
Consider Your Health Status
If You’re Generally Healthy Family medicine doctors excel at preventive care and keeping healthy people healthy. They focus on wellness and early problem detection.
If You Have Chronic Conditions Internal medicine doctors have deeper training in managing complex adult health problems. If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, an internal medicine doctor can help you monitor and manage your symptoms.
If You Have Multiple Health Issues Internists specialize in managing patients with several health conditions at once. They understand how different diseases affect each other.
Practical Considerations
Location and Convenience Choose a doctor close to home or work. Consider parking, public transportation, and office hours that fit your schedule.
Insurance Coverage Make sure the doctor accepts your insurance. Check if they’re in your network to avoid surprise costs.
Hospital Affiliations Find out which hospitals your doctor uses. You’ll want to be comfortable with where you’d go if hospitalized.
Wait Times for Appointments Ask about typical wait times for routine and urgent appointments. Some practices offer same-day sick visits.
Making Your Decision
Questions to Ask Yourself
- Do I have children who need medical care?
- Am I caring for elderly family members?
- Do I have chronic health conditions?
- Do I prefer one doctor for my whole family?
- Am I comfortable switching doctors as my needs change?
Questions to Ask Potential Doctors
During your first visit, ask:
- How do you handle urgent health concerns?
- What hospitals do you use?
- How do you coordinate with specialists?
- What are your office hours?
- Do you use electronic health records?
Red Flags to Watch For
- Long wait times for appointments
- Rushed visits with little time to talk
- Poor communication or bedside manner
- Outdated facilities or equipment
- Staff who seem overwhelmed or unfriendly
The Current Healthcare Landscape
Doctor Shortages Ahead
According to new projections published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, the United States will face a physician shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. This includes both family medicine and internal medicine doctors.
Specific AAMC projections by 2034 include shortages of: Between 17,800 and 48,000 primary care physicians. This shortage makes finding and keeping a good primary care doctor even more important.
Why This Matters for You
With fewer doctors available, you might face:
- Longer wait times for appointments
- Shorter visits with your doctor
- Difficulty getting same-day sick visits
- Challenges finding a new doctor if yours retires
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2036, the U.S. population aged 65 and older will grow by 34.1%, with an increase of 54.7% in the size of the population aged 75 and older. Since older Americans tend to need more healthcare services, this trend will lead to substantial growth in demand for primary care doctors.
Special Situations to Consider
If You’re Moving to a New Area
Research doctors in your new location before you move. Ask your current doctor for recommendations. Transfer your medical records quickly to avoid gaps in care.
If You’re Switching from Pediatric Care
Young adults transitioning from pediatric care have two good options. You can switch to internal medicine for adult-focused care, or choose family medicine for lifelong continuity.
If You Have a Rare or Complex Condition
Consider internal medicine doctors who have additional fellowship training in your specific condition. They may have deeper expertise in managing complex cases.
If You’re Planning a Family
Family medicine doctors can provide preconception counseling, prenatal care, and newborn care. This continuity can be valuable for growing families.
Making the Most of Your Choice
Building a Good Relationship
Once you choose a doctor:
- Be honest about your health concerns
- Ask questions when you don’t understand
- Follow through on recommended tests and treatments
- Communicate changes in your health promptly
Preparing for Visits
- Bring a list of current medications
- Write down questions before your appointment
- Share your family medical history
- Mention any symptoms, even if they seem minor
Staying Engaged in Your Care
- Keep track of your health goals
- Follow up on test results
- Stay current with recommended screenings
- Maintain healthy lifestyle habits
Cost Considerations
Insurance Coverage
Both family medicine and internal medicine doctors are typically covered as primary care under most insurance plans. Your copay should be the same for either type.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Some services might cost extra:
- Annual physical exams (usually covered)
- Preventive screenings (usually covered)
- Sick visits (copay required)
- Procedures done in the office (may have additional costs)
Long-Term Value
Having a primary care doctor provides significant health benefits. According to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, primary care improves health outcomes, leading to fewer hospital visits and less chronic illness when patients have consistent access to preventive and ongoing care.
Having a primary care doctor can save money by:
- Preventing serious health problems
- Coordinating care efficiently
- Avoiding unnecessary emergency room visits
- Managing chronic conditions before they worsen
Working with Yorktown Health
At Yorktown Health, we understand choosing the right primary care doctor is important. Our team includes both family medicine and internal medicine physicians who provide comprehensive care for Vernon Hills families.
Whether you need family health services for all ages or specialized adult care, we’re here to help. We also offer annual physicals, chronic disease management, and preventive care to keep you healthy.
Our doctors take time to build lasting relationships with patients. We believe in personalized care that fits your unique health needs and life situation.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between family medicine and internal medicine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Both types of doctors provide excellent primary care. The right choice depends on your age, family situation, health needs, and personal preferences.
Family medicine is ideal if you want one doctor for your whole family or value lifelong healthcare relationships. Internal medicine is perfect if you’re an adult with complex health needs or chronic conditions.
Remember, the most important thing is finding a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. A good doctor-patient relationship is the foundation of excellent healthcare, regardless of their specialty.
Don’t wait until you’re sick to establish care with a primary care doctor. With physician shortages coming, starting this important relationship now will serve you well for years to come.
