What is the Difference Between a Pediatrician and Family Doctor?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
Lindsay Knake is a brand journalist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
When you are looking for a physician for your child, do you choose a pediatrician or a family doctor? Who is best for the health of your family?
Here are the differences between the two types of doctors and the factors to consider in making a decision:
Pediatrician
Pediatricians are primary care doctors who specialize in treating children, including physical, social, and mental health. Like other medical doctors, pediatricians attend four years of medical school and three years in a pediatric residency program. Their training focuses exclusively on children with limited to no adult experience.
In a visit to a pediatrician, they will:
- Perform well-child visits.
- Conduct physical exams.
- Give vaccines.
- Diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries, and health conditions.
- Prescribe medications.
- Track your child’s physical, emotional, and social development.
- Answer parents’ questions and offer advice.
- Refer patients to specialists.
Pediatricians may see your infant after delivery and could become their doctor immediately. They will see children for well visits according the schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and any sick visits that may be required. Children and teens may see a pediatrician into their early 20s, although this may vary by practice.
Family doctor
Family doctors, also known as primary care physicians, study several medical fields to provide broad care for major and minor health issues for individuals throughout their lives. They have also attended four years of medical school and three years of a medical residency. Primary care physicians can see whole families, including children. Primary care physicians can also see your infant after delivery and become your infant’s doctor immediately after birth.
Primary care providers offer:
- Perform well-child visits.
- Annual physicals and vaccinations.
- Preventative care for physical and mental health.
- Prescribing medications.
- Diagnose and treat injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions.
- Track physical, emotional, and social development for children.
- Answer questions and offer advice for all ages.
- Screening tests.
- Healthy lifestyle counseling.
- Referrals to specialists as necessary.
They will be aware of the medical history of the whole family, as well.
Is a pediatrician or family doctor right for you?
If you are looking for one physician to treat your whole family, a family doctor may be what you need. This can save trips as you make appointments for multiple family members at the same time.
However, a pediatrician may be more appropriate if your child has pediatric-specific medical conditions. Your decision also may depend on where you live and what kind of practices are readily available.
Finding and developing a relationship with a physician you like and trust is an important part of health care for you and your family.
Blue Cross and Blue Care Network members can find a doctor near them by using the Find a Doctor tool, available on both bcbsm.com and the BCBSM mobile app.
Image: Getty Images
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