Internal Medicine vs Family Practice

[stellarose]

I think we've discussed this a loooong time ago (you know, back on the nest), but is there a difference in selecting a doctor in terms of Internal Medicine verses a Family Practic? I hate finding new doctors. I am starting new coverage next month and luckily my specialist is covered but my primary doctor isn't.

FWIW, no kids, eventually but not now.

[milkrations]

I don't think there is an appreciable difference. My current doc is in internal medicine. I appreciate that there are generally very few children in the waiting room.

[mollybrown]

If you are planning to use a family doctor to deliver any future children, you may want to check and see if the internal medicine doctor handles maternity care and delivery. That might be once difference.

[ruthie7532]

Internal medicine is trained in adult medicine only. No kids, rarely any gyn (they may do paps, but likely wouldn't do any gyn procedures like colpos or IUD insertions, etc.) Family doctors are trained in all of that, including OB. Fewer and fewer family doctors are doing OB, but there are still some that enjoy it, and some even do c-sections. Internists get no OB training.

[chia]

I prefer going to an Internal Med doc, separate OB/GYN, and sending the kid to a Pediatrician.

Maybe it's just my luck, but the IM docs I've seen have been way better than the Family Med docs.

[pugz]

I grew up with family practice so that is my preference. I work with IM docs and don't find them as personable overall, but they are great docs.

[boiler717]

I would consider both but would go to whoever fits your personality best. I do like the idea that once I have kids you can make a double appt and be seen together with a PCP.