Primary care 101: Should I choose family medicine or internal medicine?

Health and wellness

You know you need a doctor for checkups, coughs and minor injuries — but which type? Family medicine, internal medicine and primary care all play an important role in keeping you healthy.

Understanding the differences can help you find the right fit for yourself or your family.

Primary care: Your starting point


Think of primary care as your home base in the healthcare system. This is where you’ll get support for most day-to-day health concerns.

Your primary care provider (PCP) may be a doctor, physician assistant or nurse practitioner trained to help in a wide variety of situations. They perform routine check-ups, treat minor illnesses and refer you to specialists when needed.

But primary care isn’t a specific type of doctor. It’s a role on your health team that providers in family medicine or internal medicine often fill. In some cases, OB/GYN specialists or pediatricians may also fill this role.

HonorHealth Primary Care Physician performs check up with stethoscope on male patient.

Family medicine: Care from cradle to cane

Family medicine professionals treat patients at every stage of life, from newborns to seniors. They are a great option if you want one doctor for the whole family or a long-term health partner who can grow with your changing needs.

Have teens at home? One benefit of choosing family medicine over a pediatrician is that your child can continue to have the same doctor into adulthood.
 

Internal medicine: Experts in adult health

Internal medicine physicians, or internists, specialize in caring for patients 18 and older. Their training focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect adults.

Internists are especially skilled at managing complex conditions and coordinating care across multiple specialists.
 

Which one should you choose?

Both family medicine and internal medicine make excellent primary care providers.

They offer similar services, from annual exams and screenings to lifestyle guidance and treating minor illnesses. Some even offer well woman visits and reproductive care.

You might prefer family medicine if you:

  • Want one provider for everyone in your household
  • Care for children under 18 or plan to have children soon
  • Desire a provider who can support you through every stage of life

You might prefer internal medicine if you:

  • Want a provider who specializes in adult or senior health
  • Do not have children under 18 or would like a separate provider
  • Need help managing multiple conditions or coordinating specialist care
     

Your primary partners in health

Whether you choose family medicine or internal medicine, what matters most is finding someone who listens, understands and supports your health goals.

At HonorHealth, you'll have an entire primary care team that does all of that — working together to guide you through every step of your journey. Because when you trust your provider, you can feel more confident about your health.
 

Primary care with a personal touch

Good health starts with a primary care provider that has your back — and your head, feet and everything in-between. From sniffles to screenings, your HonorHealth team keeps you feeling your best every day.

Find your fit