Top Differences Between Family Practice Physicians and General Practice Physicians

Family practice physicians are often the first point of contact for patients, and for a good reason. Primary care physicians are trained to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions independently. General practice physicians work primarily under the supervision of other specialists. This post will highlight the top differences between these two groups of doctors to help readers make the right decision.

Scope of Practice

Family practice physicians are considered specialists in the area of family medicine. They deal with a broad spectrum of problems, including but not limited to: As many doctors are, family practice physicians are especially skilled at diagnosing and treating patients. It is made easier by their broad range of experience and knowledge in various areas of medicine.

Even though general practice physicians are also experts in several areas, they are less likely to be involved in such intense treatment sessions as family practice physicians. Instead, the value of their services is often more indirect: General practice physicians make more use of medical problems in their day-to-day lives. Many don’t deal directly with the patient but rather refer them to specialists.

Education

Family practice physicians have a higher level of education than general practitioners, as many have medical degrees obtained at medical schools. In addition, their educational level is often even higher than that of some specialties.

An undergraduate degree is not required to become a family physician. Many attend medical school after graduating high school or college to save on tuition costs, as evident from the family practice physician job openings Texas reported in recent years. General practice physicians must complete an undergraduate degree before beginning the ten-year program that leads to a doctorate in medicine.

Cost

General practice physicians are more likely to charge lower fees than those family practice physicians. The fees themselves will usually depend on the physician’s location and specialty, but some general practitioners charge very little for certain services and in certain areas.

On the other hand, family practice physicians will often charge a greater price for their services. Depending on where they live, some may be as low as twenty dollars per visit or less – while others can bill as much as several hundred dollars every time a patient visits them.

Malpractice Coverage

General practice physicians receive malpractice coverage through their insurance companies, whereas family practice physicians are not covered by their malpractice insurance. This difference is especially important because family practice physicians must be able to deal with more patients than regular general practitioners.

Thus, they’re more prone to accidents and injuries that could occur during treatments or procedures. As a result, it’s critical that families who hire them get them into coverage at the very earliest possible moment.

Responsibilities

Family practice physicians are more likely to be the ones who perform treatments and procedures themselves. They may spend more time out of their office than general practitioners, especially if they follow patients around during their appointments. They’re also usually the ones responsible for ensuring that patients understand their diagnoses and treatments.

On the other hand, general practice physicians have to refer their patients to specialists if the disease or condition is serious enough to require a different treatment or procedure. They work under the supervision of other doctors and other specialists, as well as patients’ primary care physicians. They’re also often involved in the day-to-day operations of their practices, such as answering phone calls or taking appointments.

Hours and Scheduling

Family practice physicians are more likely to be open for extended hours than general practitioners. Again, it is because they may be able to see patients on weekends and weekdays.

General practice physicians will usually have regular hours for patients to come in. Perhaps their hours are longer, but this does not necessarily mean they’re more available during off times.

Conclusion

In summary, family physicians are more likely to take a more personalized approach to their patients than general practitioners. But, again, it is because they’re the ones who diagnose illnesses and injuries, and they’re the ones who prescribe treatments.

While general practitioners can also do these things, they don’t always have to because they can refer to specialists instead. It can help the patient, and the doctor saves time and money in their respective practices. In addition, family practice physicians are more likely to prescribe medications, introducing yet another element of efficiency into their practices.