Family and Primary Care Physician Q&A

The biggest difference between primary care physicians and family doctors is that family doctors are pediatricians who are also trained in how to treat adults, whereas primary care physicians are internal medicine doctors exclusively. Family doctors are trained to treat all generations of a family, from young children to the elderly, while primary care physicians typically specialize in the treatment of adults and offer primary care to that demographic.

It is important to note that family doctor and primary care physician are often used interchangeably. Either a family doctor or a primary care physician are a good choice as your primary point of contact on any medical issue you may have; if you have seen the same doctor all your life, you may feel more comfortable with them. Primary care physicians are a good option for those without family doctors or those looking for a new doctor as an adult.

Primary care physicians are those doctors who you see regularly for your immediate, non-urgent healthcare needs. It is your primary care physician who will oversee your treatment for routine medical procedures and the treatment of non-emergency related medical conditions. They coordinate any care that you may require for a medical condition or illness and allow for what is known as a continuation of care.

Primary care physicians are, typically, your initial point of contact with the medical system and establishment, and provide a familiar, comforting face in what could be a very scary situation. They keep your medical records and, more or less, are caretakers of your medical history. Thus, it is very important that you have a primary care physician and that you see them regularly to keep your medical history accurate and up-to-date.

In addition to providing routine medical screenings, tests, and immunizations, your primary care physician also can provide you with referrals to other medical specialists or practices in the event that you require more specialized care.

Your primary care physician is who you will see for routine medical screenings, immunizations, and check-ups. They are there for you in the event of routine medication issues, such as if you need treatment for an illness or injury or if you are in need of a referral to see a specialist. Primary care physicians are your first point of contact on any health-related question or concern that you may have. And if you need a more specialize diagnosis or treatment, then it is your primary care physician who will refer you to a specialist.

In addition to providing routine medical care and treatment, primary care physicians are there to coordinate your medical care and serve as a valuable source of information for your medical concerns and questions. They also are a repository of your medical history; thus, it is important to have a primary care physician to provide a continuance of care and to keep your medical history both accurate and up to date.

If you are looking for a primary care physician or family doctor, then call us here at Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD’s Family Practice. We have convenient locations to serve you in Apple Valley, CA and Victorville, CA. You can call us to book your appointment, or visit us online at our website. We serve patients from Victorville CA, Apple Valley CA, Adelanto CA, Hesperia CA, Crestline CA, Highland CA, Barstow CA, and BEYOND!