Internal Medicine vs Family Medicine
The providers at CHPG Primary Care Southwest Longmont deliver health care for you and all members of your family throughout all stages of life. They believe disease prevention through healthy lifestyle choices and preventive care is key to achieving and maintaining optimal wellness. To achieve this goal, they offer healthcare services in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine. Ever wondered about the difference between the two? Let’s clear that up right now.
Internists and family practitioners are alike in many ways. They are both primary care physicians who treat a variety of illnesses. The main difference between the two is that internists only treat adults, while family practitioners treat a broad range of issues that affect the entire family unit.
Family Medicine: Family medicine is the medical care for the entire family. Family medicine doctors treat all people, from birth through death, and they often treat every member of the family. Family doctors are primary care providers who offer a wide variety of care and refer to and coordinate care with specialists when needed. Family medicine provider Danielle Trujillo, DO, is an advocate for making healthy lifestyle choices. She believes that real food partnered with exercise, mindfulness, adequate sleep and good relationships are the foundations of health. Dr. Trujillo provides care for the whole family from infants to the elderly. She is passionate about preventive health and managing acute conditions like illnesses and minor injuries, as well as chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD and hypertension.
Internal Medicine: Internal medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing and preventing disease in adults. They are considered primary care doctors, so they are trained to treat diseases in all body systems. Internal medicine provider Sahar Abdelqader, MD, believes that open communication is key to providing the best care for her patients. By carefully listening to her patients, Dr. Abdelqader can offer the best treatment options available, and determine a unique approach for her patients to achieve their optimal health.
Nurse Practitioner vs Medical Doctor
This one stumps patients all the time. “Should I see a MD or NP?”
An MD is a Doctor of Medicine. Doctors can diagnose conditions, treat patients for ailments and write prescriptions. A primary care doctor may refer a patient for specialized care, but the physician has a well-rounded education that overlaps with all specialties.
An NP is a nurse practitioner. This is sometimes confused with an RN, which is a Registered Nurse. An RN cannot prescribe medications, but a nurse practitioner is licensed to do so and diagnose conditions.
NPs are sometimes called the bridge that connects RNs and MDs. They have two-years more education than registered nurses, but they have less training than MDs. Also, it is key to remember that an NP is licensed by the Nursing Board, whereas doctors are licensed by the Medical Doctor's Board.
Family Medicine nurse practitioner Rebekah Harvey, FNP, IBCLC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner. When treating patients, her philosophy of care is holistic, meaning care that encompasses the whole person. This includes diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the mind and body, while considering lifestyle factors that affect a person's health. Rebekah believes in partnering with patients to help them achieve their health goals.
CHPG Primary Care Southwest Longmont has you covered for your needs as an individual and for your family’s needs. Call to schedule a visit today at 303-649-3500.
