Primary Care Information
Primary Care includes a wide range of treatments and an even wider range of patients, so there are bound to be questions. Below are answers to some common questions about Primary Care, Family Medicine and more.
What's the difference between Primary Care, Family Medicine and Internal Medicine?
Primary Care is about providing initial and continuing patient care, so many types of physicians may fit the label. However, there are differences between providers:
- Family Medicine (also Family Practice or General Practice) physicians are typically trained specifically in family medicine and tend to see patients of all ages and conditions.
- Internal Medicine physicians also treat a wide variety of conditions, but their training is different and they usually treat only adults.
At Scott & White, Primary Care begins with physicians at our Family Medicine clinics.
Who or what does a Primary Care doctor treat?
Primary Care physicians are trained to treat people of all ages and conditions of all kinds. Routine checkups, minor illnesses or injuries, sports physicals, vaccinations and overall wellness issues are part of a Primary Care doctor's day.
What if I need a specialist or hospitalization?
Scott & White is a fully integrated, multi-specialty system, so your Primary Care doctor has a wealth of referral resources and facilities and will manage your care efficiently.