Many parents find it confusing to decide between a pediatrician and a family doctor. While both medical professionals treat children, it is essential to know the differences between them to make the right choice for your family.
Pediatrician vs. Family Doctor: Basic Differences
The principal differences between Jacksonville pediatricians and family doctors are as follows:
Care focus: The focus of pediatricians is on treating children, and they are knowledgeable about their health, developmental, and behavioral issues. Family doctors see patients of all ages and have a broader knowledge of human health issues.
Age of patients: Pediatricians generally see children until they are 18 years old, while family doctors will continue to see them as they grow older.
Training: Both pediatricians and family doctors undergo four years of medical school, after which pediatricians complete a three-year residency in pediatrics and family doctors complete a three-year residency in family medicine that covers pediatrics, internal medicine, gynecology, and geriatrics.
Certification: Pediatricians must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination to practice. They must also pass a pediatrics certification exam from the American Board of Pediatrics and enroll in a Maintenance of Certification five-year cycle. Family doctors receive certification from the American Board of Family Medicine, and they can maintain their certification by completing the continuous certification process requirements every ten years.
Pediatrician vs. Family Doctor: Which Should You Choose?
Choosing a pediatrician or a family doctor for your child is a personal decision that may depend on your location, budget, and acquaintance with or trust in the medical practitioner. For instance, some parents may base their decision on whose office is more convenient to reach from their location and who offers 24/7 services seven days a week in case of emergencies.
Keep in mind that children tend to have more accidents, falls, cuts, and other injuries than adults and may need medical treatment more often. You want to find a practitioner who is available to see your child at any time if a situation arises.
Benefits of Seeing a Pediatrician
Since Jacksonville pediatricians specialize in child health care, are experts in treating various childhood conditions, and may offer round-the-clock services, you may want to consider registering your child with a pediatrics center closest to your area. It may be essential to see a pediatrician if your child was born prematurely, has a congenital disorder, or has any special health needs.
Even if your child is healthy, seeing a pediatrician at regular intervals can only benefit them. The pediatrician can monitor their health, track their growth rate, and check that their development is normal for their age.
Benefits of Seeing a Family Doctor
Depending on the size of their practice, a family doctor may or may not provide 24/7 patient care. However, since they can handle health issues in all age groups, you will not have to make separate trips to the doctor’s office. You can get your child examined during routine family check-ups.
Another benefit of choosing a family doctor for your child from an early age is that they will not have to switch to a different medical practitioner when they turn 18. They can continue to see the family doctor, and some children may feel more comfortable seeing someone they have known for years. Additionally, the family doctor will have your family’s health records and refer them to treat your child. They may be able to detect and prevent potential health issues.
Transitioning from a Pediatrician to a Family Doctor
Some families choose to see Jacksonville pediatricians until their children are 18 and then switch to seeing a family doctor. You can also do the transition sooner. It might be a good idea to discuss changing to a family doctor with your child when they are 11 or 13 years. That is generally the age range for puberty, and a family doctor may have more specialized knowledge to treat puberty-related issues.
You can take your child to visit the family doctor and let them decide if they want to change medical practitioners early on. It is a change that they will ultimately have to make, and it is preferable if they get to select a family doctor they feel comfortable around.
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