Healthcare terms can be confusing and hard to understand. You may see phrases like “family medicine” and “internal medicine” and wonder what they mean.
Family medicine doctors treat patients of all ages, including children and adults. Internal medicine doctors treat adults only and often focus on managing complex adult health conditions. Both provide primary care services.
Understanding the differences between internal medicine doctors and family practice doctors can help you feel more confident as you choose a provider.
Are you choosing a primary care doctor for yourself or for your family?
Family medicine doctors
Family medicine doctors are primary care providers who can treat your whole family. They see patients of all ages, from babies to grandparents. This “big picture” approach helps the doctor better understand how things like household stress and family genetics can affect each patient’s health.
Learn how our family medicine doctors can partner with you for your health
Internal medicine doctors
Internal medicine doctors are sometimes called internists. They are primary care doctors who focus on healthcare for adults only. They offer routine checkups and help manage ongoing health conditions, especially when several parts of the body are involved.
See how internal medicine can help you prevent illness
What is the best type of doctor for primary care?
Think of primary care as an umbrella phrase that describes the main doctor who sees you most often. This is your healthcare “point person.” Your primary provider takes care of your general wellness and can direct you to a specialist if needed.
They can be a family medicine doctor or an internal medicine doctor. Sometimes these doctors work at the same large clinic which offers multiple specialties.
Read why you should partner with a primary care provider
Find a primary care provider and clinic that works for you
What primary care doctor is best to manage persistent health issues?
Both family medicine doctors and internal medicine doctors follow the same guidelines for common ongoing conditions. Some of those include:
Adults who have multiple complicated medical conditions may prefer an internal medicine doctor to treat and coordinate their complex healthcare needs.
Can my child see a family medicine doctor instead of a pediatrician?
You may not need a pediatrician for your child if you choose a family medicine doctor. Family doctors are trained in routine checkups for babies and children. However, pediatricians have more specific training in the care of babies up to young adults age 18. This is something to consider if your child has special health needs, such as a heart defect or being born prematurely.
Explore the services we offer for children
How do I find a doctor?
Healthcare systems and insurance companies have a list of doctors and other providers in their networks. This provider directory usually helps patients easily research things like a doctor’s education, training and areas of expertise.
Explore convenient clinic locations and make an appointment
Do internal medicine and family medicine doctors have different training?
Both family practice doctors and internal medicine doctors are required to have four years of medical school, and a three-year residency program.
Family practice doctors tend to focus on care at clinics or medical offices. Internal medicine doctors, or internists, usually share time between their medical office and a hospital.
Learn about the differences in HMO and PPO healthcare plans
Should I see an internal medicine doctor or family practice?Choose a family medicine doctor if:
Choose an internal medicine doctor if:
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This blog was medically reviewed by internal medicine physician Anca Knoepfler, associate medical director for UC Davis Health Community Physicians
