Internal Medicine Doctor

This may be a stupid question but what is the difference between a general or family practice doctor and an internal medicine doctor? Can you go to an internal medicine doctor for a physical each year or if you just have a sinus infection and need antibiotics?

Re: Internal Medicine Doctor

Family practitioners (many are DO's) treat families (meaning kids thru geriatrics) whereas Internal medicine dr's (some specialize in various areas like allergy, cardiology, gastroenterology, etc) treat only adults. I actually prefer Internal medicine drs. Yes, they would be the person you would see for annual check ups, sick visits etc. So yes they would be the dr to give you antibiotics for a sinus infection, strep etc. They would be your primary dr. BTW they would still or should still send you to a specialist if you need one for a specific problem.

Family practitioners btw are more broad than general practitioners - and I believe family practitioners basically replaced the term for general practitioners - and they don't really use that term much anymore.

Message edited 6/16/2008 3:32:09 PM.

Re: Internal Medicine Doctor

Thanks...i went ahead and made an appointment to see an internal doctor for a physical! I haven't had one in years

Re: Internal Medicine Doctor

Can anyone recommend a good doctor in Suffolk County?