Specialty3 min read
Family medicine
A family physician is the first point of contact in care, providing prevention, diagnosis and chronic disease management for all ages and coordinating with specialists.
MedlinePlus describes "general" doctors as physicians specialising in internal medicine, family medicine or paediatrics, and states that a primary care provider may refer you to specialists when needed. The AAFP states that the family physician treats patients "regardless of age or health condition". According to the AAFP: their work includes preventive care (check-ups, risk assessment, vaccination, screening and counselling), diagnosing and treating diseases, following chronic diseases (heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and asthma), and coordination with specialists and the hospital. On this site, the pages on type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma and coronary artery disease are linked to it.
The AAFP is a professional body and not a government health authority, so we regard it as a supporting reference, and the page relies mainly on MedlinePlus. The page does not mean that the diseases mentioned are managed by the family physician alone; the decision depends on the condition.
In one minute12
- What is it?
- Comprehensive primary care for all ages.
- Who is usually affected?
- Everyone, especially those with chronic diseases or who need prevention and regular check-ups.
- Acute or chronic?
- A long-term follow-up relationship.
- Main symptoms
- Any initial health complaint.
- Red flags?
- Emergency conditions go to the ambulance, not to the clinic.
- Preventable?
- Regular check-ups, vaccination and counselling.
What is it?
General doctors: physicians specialising in internal medicine, family medicine or paediatrics, and the primary care provider may refer you to specialists when needed (MedlinePlus).
The family physician treats patients "regardless of age or health condition" (AAFP).
Conditions it covers
According to the AAFP they follow chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and asthma. On this site: type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma and coronary artery disease.
When to see one
Their work includes preventive care (check-ups, risk assessment, vaccination, screening and counselling) and coordination with specialists and the hospital (AAFP). The ambulance is not replaced by them in emergency conditions.
Common questions
Should I start with the family doctor or the specialist?
MedlinePlus says that the primary care provider may refer you to specialists when needed, so you usually start with them unless the condition is an emergency.1
Questions for your doctor
- Do I need a referral to a specialist?
- Which regular check-ups are suitable for my age?
- How is the follow-up of my chronic diseases coordinated?
References
- 1MedlinePlus. Types of health care providers. medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001933.htmHealth agencies & guidelines · Accessed 2026-10-06
- 2American Academy of Family Physicians. Family medicine: Primary care for all ages and stages. www.aafp.org/about/family-medicineEducational & historical references · Accessed 2026-10-06
Review status: Edited content · Last updated:
Change log
- — Page created.
Educational content only — no diagnosis, and no substitute for a clinician.