As your family expands, you may face a dilemma when choosing a primary care physician. Do you choose a pediatrician to care for your children’s specific needs, or do you select a family practitioner to care for the entire family?
Many new parents opt for the specialized care of a pediatrician for their newborn or very young children. As children age, many parents switch to the convenience of seeing a single physician for the entire family. But is there an answer to the pediatrician vs. family practice doctor and if you choose a pediatrician, when do you begin seeing a family practitioner?
There are benefits and drawbacks of both.
Let us explain.
PEDIATRICIANS ARE SPECIALISTS
Tanner Clinic Pediatrician, Dr. Candice Smith weighs in on the debate. She says, “We see children from birth up to age 21.
Both pediatricians and family medicine have the same years in training. Three years with pediatric training focused all on children and their health needs. Family medicine has three years focused on all ages from kids to senior citizens and everything in between. The focused training gives a pediatrician more in depth understanding of children’s health needs and problems.
A pediatrician that is a specialist did three years of general pediatric training and three MORE years of the training for their specialty. For example, as a pediatric infectious disease doctor, after med school I spent six years all focused on children, both their general care and the infections they have.
We usually graduate children from pediatrics when they feel ready to go, usually between 18-21.”
Newborns and children have a higher rate of office visits, because of their changing needs as they grow. As they age, they need fewer preventative care visits and injury related visits become the primary reason they see a doctor. According to the CDC, the percentage of office visits for children due to preventative care was 32%, with preventative care visits among adults dropping to 24%.
On average though, family practice doctors say that they only treat pediatric patients about 10% of the time, according to this WebMD article.
WHEN IS A PEDIATRICIAN PREFERRED?
For many families, seeing a family practice doctor makes sense. Not only is it convenient, but the doctor can get a picture of the overall health of the family. However, there are times when it is important to choose a pediatrician rather than a family practice doctor.
They are:
- Your child was born premature
- Your child has special needs
- Your child has a birth defect
- Your child needs a pediatric specialist
- Your child has high anxiety about visiting a doctor
Not only do pediatricians specialize in childhood illnesses and disorders, they are trained to interact with their young patients. Their offices may be more child-friendly and put your kids at ease when visiting.
WHEN IS A FAMILY PRACTITIONER PREFERRED?
For a busy family, making an annual healthcare check up is easier when the entire family can be seen in a single visit. A family practice doctor is perfectly capable of caring for pediatric patients, administering well-child visits and vaccinations, and providing care for illnesses, injuries, and other disorders.
A family practice doctor may be preferred when:
- Your daughter needs gynecological care
- Your child no longer feels comfortable in a “kids” office
- The family has a health issue in common
THE HEALTH INSURANCE VARIABLE
Preferences aside, your health insurance may require visits to pediatricians for all children under the age of 18 in order for their visit to be covered. Or, another health insurance provider may consider pediatricians specialists instead.
It’s important to understand your health insurance coverage and what it covers, if it covers comprehensive well-child visits, and what physicians are considered primary care providers for pediatric patients.
TANNER CLINIC PEDIATRICIANS AND FAMILY PRACTICE DOCTORS
Tanner Clinic offers plenty of options for families seeking a primary care physician. Plus, our pediatric team also includes a pediatric infectious disease specialist and includes an urgent care clinic for those injury or illness-related visits that need immediate attention.
To make an appointment, you can book online or call us at 801-773-4865. Urgent care visits are walk-in during available hours. Learn more about our urgent care services.
