When you’re looking for a medical center, you might have heard the terms ‘family medicine’ and ‘general service’ thrown around. You may wonder what these two things are and why they matter to you. And how about their differences? What’s the difference between a family medicine center and an acute care general service facility? Read on to find out!
The phrase “family medicine service” refers to a type of medical care focused on providing comprehensive and continuous health care for individuals and families. This type of service is provided by a family medicine doctor, who is a medical specialist educated and experienced in the care of patients from all ages and genders.
In contrast, a “general service” refers to a more broad-based approach to medical care, where patients may see different doctors for different health concerns. For example, a patient may see a cardiologist for heart-related issues, an endocrinologist for diabetes management, and a neurologist for headaches.
There are several critical differences between family medicine service and general service. First, a family medicine doctor is trained to care for the complete patient rather than just treating a specific medical condition. This means that a family medicine doctor can diagnose and treat a broad range of health issues, from common colds and flu to chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
Another key difference is the emphasis on continuity of care. In a family medicine service, the doctor gets to know the patient and their family over time, building a relationship that allows for more personalized care. In contrast, a general service may involve seeing different doctors for different health concerns, which can result in fragmented and less coordinated care.
In addition, family medicine doctors are trained to provide preventive care, such as vaccines and screening tests, which can help to prevent medical problems before they occur. This is an essential aspect of maintaining good health and preventing the chances of developing chronic diseases.
One of the primary advantages of a family medicine service is the convenience and accessibility it offers. Because a family medicine doctor is trained to care for the whole person, patients can often receive all their medical care from one provider without seeing multiple specialists. This can save time and lowers barriers for patients to get necessary care.
Another advantage of a family medicine service is the focus on the patient-doctor relationship. Because the doctor gets to know the patient and their family over time, the care provided is more personalized and tailored to the individual’s needs. This can lead to better communication and trust between the patient and doctor, improving health outcomes.
As you can see, many different types of service are offered in a general practice. It all depends on what kind of care you prefer and need. If you want to be seen by a healthcare provider familiar with your medical history, then you should visit a family medicine service instead of a general service.
Our team at EMDS focuses on family care because it directly benefits our local South Houston community. Visit our online portal today and schedule an appointment!