Your primary care physician helps you navigate lifelong health through routine well visits and visits to manage short- and long-term illnesses and injuries. That individual may be a physician who practices either internal medicine or family medicine. Family medicine physicians at West Tennessee Healthcare can treat the entire family—from pediatrics through adult care and geriatric care.
Unlike internal medicine physicians, family medicine physicians have training and experience with pediatrics, which enables them to see and treat all ages, from birth to the end of life.
Many family medicine physicians bring experience in pediatrics, gynecology and women’s health, men’s health, and geriatrics. They manage treatment for a wide variety of conditions, illnesses, and injuries.
While you may not consider reaching out to a family medicine physician until you’re not well, it’s crucial to establish a relationship when you’re healthy.
That relationship will help your family medicine physician best understand your medical needs, concerns, and potential problems. As your primary care physician—and possibly the physician for your entire family—these medical providers serve as the first point of contact when you need care for everyday health concerns and for managing acute and chronic conditions.
When you see a family medicine physician, he or she works to best understand your health needs. Family history is often a risk factor for chronic conditions. By seeing a family medicine physician, he or she can help prevent, treat and manage any health concerns that arise. Similarly, a family medicine physician coordinates care with other specialists.
In addition to general care and routine check-ups, family medicine physicians at West Tennessee Healthcare provide the full spectrum of services:
