General dr or internist? (doctor, specialist, treat, medical)

[Adriank7]

I’m in the process of searching for a new Dr. My previous Dr was in internist. Is a general Dr just as sufficient in diagnosis? I think the only difference is a general Dr works with children and adults?

[WellShoneMoon]

When I'm looking for a new primary care doctor, I always look for one who is board-certified in internal medicine.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by Adriank7

I’m in the process of searching for a new Dr. My previous Dr was in internist. Is a general Dr just as sufficient in diagnosis? I think the only difference is a general Dr works with children and adults?

I'm not sure what you mean by a "general" doctor. Both Family Practice physicians and Internists are primary care doctors that see adults. Some FPs see children and do OB as well. That's about the only difference in those two groups.

[RamenAddict]

I have had excellent experiences with physicians certified in family medicine. There are three different certifications- family medicine (adults + children), pediatrics (children only) and internal medicine (adults only). My current doctor has the separate certifications (pediatrics and internal medicine). I think a benefit of family medicine is that physicians who work with children have to have a good bedside manner since their patients are more likely to be scared/anxious.

Here is a link that might be helpful in making your decision. IIRC, you have many issues and it is possible that the more in-depth training of the internist might be better for you.
https://www.acponline.org/about-acp/...amily-medicine

[elnina]

Originally Posted by Katarina Witt

I'm not sure what you mean by a "general" doctor. Both Family Practice physicians and Internists are primary care doctors that see adults. Some FPs see children and do OB as well. That's about the only difference in those two groups.

This is right. Like a family doctor or PCP, an internist treats most common medical issues, from sprains and strains to diabetes. If your condition is beyond their scope, they may refer you to a specialist.
Here is a more detailed description:
https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-doctors#pcp

[Zenstyle]

WellShoneMoon has it right. If you’re an adult, you need to see a doctor who specializes in adults, and that’s an internist.
Bonus Feature:
When you’re sitting in her waiting room, there won’t be little germ vectors running around and wailing.

[nmnita]

We have had family practice physicians, general care doctors, internists, etc regular visits etc. Any of them work well and will refer you to a specialist if that is what you need.