Family Medicine: Comprehensive Healthcare Across All Ages
Last Updated: January 2025Reviewed by: Dr. Tess Garcia, MDReading Time: 8 minutes
What is Family Medicine?
Family Medicine is a medical specialty devoted to comprehensive healthcare for people of all ages. Unlike other specialties that limit care to specific organs, diseases, or age groups, family physicians are trained to care for the whole person throughout their entire life.
Key Characteristics of Family Medicine
Provides continuous, comprehensive care from birth through end of life
Treats 90% of all healthcare concerns in one location
Emphasizes disease prevention and health promotion
Coordinates care across multiple specialties when needed
Considers patients in the context of family and community
209,000+
Family physicians practicing in the US
25%
Lower healthcare costs with regular primary care
33%
Fewer hospitalizations with family physician care
Training & Qualifications
Family physicians undergo extensive training to provide comprehensive care across all ages and conditions. Their education prepares them to diagnose and treat a wide variety of ailments while maintaining a holistic view of patient health.
Medical Education Path
4 years undergraduate education (Bachelor's degree)
4 years medical school (MD or DO degree)
3 years family medicine residency training
Board certification examination
Ongoing continuing medical education (150+ hours every 3 years)
Board recertification every 10 years
Residency Training Areas
Adult medicine and geriatrics
Pediatrics and adolescent medicine
Women's health and obstetrics
Mental and behavioral health
Emergency and urgent care
Minor surgical procedures
Sports medicine and musculoskeletal care
Many family physicians pursue additional fellowship training in areas such as sports medicine, geriatrics, obstetrics, or palliative care to further specialize while maintaining their comprehensive practice approach.
Scope of Practice
Family physicians provide a remarkably broad range of services, serving as the primary healthcare provider for individuals and families. Their scope encompasses preventive care, acute and chronic disease management, and coordination of specialty care when needed.
Services by Life Stage
Pediatric & Adolescent Care
Newborn care and well-child visits
Immunizations and developmental screening
School and sports physicals
ADHD and behavioral assessments
Adolescent health counseling
Adult & Geriatric Care
Annual wellness examinations
Chronic disease management
Mental health screening and treatment
Medicare wellness visits
Medication management and polypharmacy review
Common Procedures
Office Procedures
Skin biopsies and lesion removal
Joint injections and aspirations
Laceration repair and wound care
Incision and drainage of abscesses
Cryotherapy for warts and skin lesions
Diagnostic Services
EKG and cardiac monitoring
Pulmonary function testing
Point-of-care ultrasound
Laboratory testing and interpretation
Cognitive and depression screening
Benefits of Family Medicine
Research consistently demonstrates that having a family physician as your primary care provider leads to better health outcomes, lower costs, and improved patient satisfaction.
Evidence-Based Benefits
19% lower risk of premature death for adults with primary care
33% reduction in healthcare costs through preventive care
25% fewer emergency department visits
Better management of chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension
Higher rates of cancer screening and early detection
Improved coordination when specialist care is needed
The Patient-Centered Medical Home Model
Modern family medicine practices operate as Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMH), providing coordinated, comprehensive care that puts patients at the center of their healthcare journey. This model has been shown to improve quality, enhance patient experience, and reduce costs.
Conditions Commonly Treated
Family physicians diagnose and treat a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions, providing both immediate care and long-term disease management.
While family physicians treat most health conditions, they recognize when specialized care is needed and coordinate referrals to ensure you receive appropriate treatment from the right specialist at the right time.
When to See a Family Physician
Regular Preventive Care
Annual Wellness Visits
Adults 18-39: Every 2-3 years if healthy
Adults 40-65: Annually
Adults 65+: Annual Medicare wellness visits
Children: Per AAP schedule (frequent in first 2 years)
Screening Schedule
Blood pressure: Every 1-2 years
Cholesterol: Every 4-6 years (more often if risk factors)
Diabetes: Every 3 years after age 35
Cancer screenings: Per USPSTF guidelines
Seek Immediate Care For
New or worsening symptoms lasting more than a few days
Chronic condition changes or medication concerns
Mental health issues including depression or anxiety
Preventive care and health maintenance
Second opinions or care coordination
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a family physician different from an internist?
Family physicians care for patients of all ages from birth through end of life, while internists typically care for adults 18 and older. Family physicians also receive training in pediatrics, obstetrics, and minor surgery.
Can a family physician be my child's doctor too?
Yes! Family physicians are fully trained in pediatric care and can serve as the primary care provider for your entire family, from newborns through seniors, in one convenient location.
Do I need a referral to see a specialist?
This depends on your insurance plan. Many plans require a referral from your primary care physician. Your family physician can coordinate referrals and ensure specialists have your complete health history.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your insurance cards, photo ID, list of current medications, any recent test results, family health history, and a list of questions or concerns you want to discuss.