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Is a General Practitioner Doctor Right for You?

August 18, 2023

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When choosing a primary care physician, you may be wondering what the difference is between a family medicine doctor and a general practitioner. You may be asking yourself which one is right for your basic medical needs, and if you can find a physician that provides senior primary care with genuine kindness. While both types of doctors have many similarities, there are a few details that set these physicians apart.

A family medicine doctor provides overall health and wellness care to all patients irrespective of their age. On the other hand, a general practitioner is a doctor who treats illnesses and provides preventive care. They examine patients, diagnose common illnesses, and administer or prescribe appropriate treatment. However, general practitioners are not limited to any specific branch of medicine or class of diseases.

As your first point of contact, a general practitioner doctor can serve as your primary care physician. If or when you need a specialist, they can refer you to one.

How a General Practitioner Can Help You

To become a general practitioner, a candidate must complete four years of medical school, followed by three to seven years of residency. Then, they must apply for certification from a medical organization such as the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and/or American Osteopathic Association Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists (AOABOS). They also undergo additional training that qualifies them to provide continuing care to anyone regardless of age or gender.

As your primary care physician, a general practitioner is qualified to provide care that is best suited to your needs. That includes:

  • Thorough assessments and physical examinations
  • Treatment for injuries and illnesses
  • Minor wound care
  • Ongoing treatment and management for chronic conditions
  • Care during pregnancy
  • Healthcare for children, adults, and seniors
  • Preventive health and well-being services
  • Health screenings for heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions
  • Prescriptions for medications
  • Vaccinations and immunizations
  • Referrals, coordination, and oversight when specialty care is required.

A general practitioner is trained in the early detection of medical conditions, which can significantly improve the likelihood of successful treatment when a disease is caught in its initial stages. Also, a general practitioner can attend to your urgent care needs.

General Practitioner Near You in South and Central Florida

A general practitioner can offer many primary care services, but it is important to have a primary care physician that you can trust and with whom you feel most comfortable and confident. That’s where the dedicated healthcare professionals at Palm Medical Centers can help.

Our board-certified general practitioners at Palm Medical Centers have brought genuine kindness to senior primary care for 10 years. We offer premier primary care for seniors 65 and over, and we accept most Medicare Advantage plans. With our numerous locations throughout Central and South Florida, you can likely find a location within 3 miles of your home. There you will find professional staff, attentive doctors, and compassionate and knowledgeable care coaches that are dedicated to the needs of our patients. We have a 98% patient satisfaction rate so you know you’ll be in good hands.

If you would like to know more about Palm Medical Centers, call us today at (833)500-PALM (7256) or send us a message now and receive a $15 gift card at your first new patient appointment!

Filed Under: Family Doctor, General, Primary Care Tagged With: General Practitioner, Primary care, Senior Care

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5 Stars Review

Highly recommend Lou Ann Albano! She is very compassionate, friendly, skillful, attentive, provides excellent care and really listens to you. You are in great hands!

Deanne S.

5 Stars Review

I just wish I could quit forgetting my blood work appointment, but other than that everything is fine. I have been getting great care from Dr. Renan and the office staff is excellent.

Jennifer D.

5 Stars Review

The staff greets me with a smile and by name. There's never a long wait, and Dr. Min is the PC that I have ever had. 15 yrs and counting!

Rose R.

5 Stars Review

I am very happy to be a Patient at Dr Aristides Martinez Office, my appointment yesterday with Andrea was far above expected, she dedicated about one hour to talk with me about all my pains and my concerns. It was like if I would've been with a Psychologist, I came out of her office with all my questions answered and sure that I am in very good hands. I thanks God that I started coming to this Clinic.

Susana Tudda

5 Stars Review

I love Ms. Patel and the girls in the office. I rarely have to wait long. I have been going to this office since it was JayCare in 2015. I have never had a problem with any of the doctors or PAs that I have seen. Ms. Patel actually takes time with me and listens to my concerns. I already recommend her to everyone I know.

Kayleigh Ray

5 Stars Review

Since moving to Florida three years ago I’ve seen many doctors and just didn’t have a good feeling. Once I walked into Dr Shah’s office from the front desk staff to the doctor himself was a wonderful experience. You are always given their undivided attention and Dr. Shah is Very thorough in his exams. I give 5 stars to this office

Annette Gambino

5 Stars Review

Dr Fundora is absolutely incredible, very knowledgeable and caring and her entire staff is amazing too, highly recommended. The receptionists and even the security guards are extremely helpful and friendly, they always remember me when I come in and they’ve all always gone above and beyond to make each experience as easy and stress free as possible.

Louie Blanche

5 Stars Review

We love and trust Dr Cruz. Also their staff is wonderful they’re always happy & have a smile when you go in so it makes you feel better when you’re not feeling so good. I would highly recommend them to everyone and as a matter fact when I changed my insurance this year I made sure he was on the list. Sincerely, A happy patient

Linda Hudson

5 Stars Review

Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

Mrs. Asher

Previous Next
5 Stars Review

Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

Mrs. Asher

5 Stars Review

Highly recommend Lou Ann Albano! She is very compassionate, friendly, skillful, attentive, provides excellent care and really listens to you. You are in great hands!

Deanne S.

5 Stars Review

I just wish I could quit forgetting my blood work appointment, but other than that everything is fine. I have been getting great care from Dr. Renan and the office staff is excellent.

Jennifer D.

5 Stars Review

The staff greets me with a smile and by name. There's never a long wait, and Dr. Min is the PC that I have ever had. 15 yrs and counting!

Rose R.

5 Stars Review

I am very happy to be a Patient at Dr Aristides Martinez Office, my appointment yesterday with Andrea was far above expected, she dedicated about one hour to talk with me about all my pains and my concerns. It was like if I would've been with a Psychologist, I came out of her office with all my questions answered and sure that I am in very good hands. I thanks God that I started coming to this Clinic.

Susana Tudda

5 Stars Review

I love Ms. Patel and the girls in the office. I rarely have to wait long. I have been going to this office since it was JayCare in 2015. I have never had a problem with any of the doctors or PAs that I have seen. Ms. Patel actually takes time with me and listens to my concerns. I already recommend her to everyone I know.

Kayleigh Ray

5 Stars Review

Since moving to Florida three years ago I’ve seen many doctors and just didn’t have a good feeling. Once I walked into Dr Shah’s office from the front desk staff to the doctor himself was a wonderful experience. You are always given their undivided attention and Dr. Shah is Very thorough in his exams. I give 5 stars to this office

Annette Gambino

5 Stars Review

Dr Fundora is absolutely incredible, very knowledgeable and caring and her entire staff is amazing too, highly recommended. The receptionists and even the security guards are extremely helpful and friendly, they always remember me when I come in and they’ve all always gone above and beyond to make each experience as easy and stress free as possible.

Louie Blanche

5 Stars Review

We love and trust Dr Cruz. Also their staff is wonderful they’re always happy & have a smile when you go in so it makes you feel better when you’re not feeling so good. I would highly recommend them to everyone and as a matter fact when I changed my insurance this year I made sure he was on the list. Sincerely, A happy patient

Linda Hudson

Previous Next
Palm Medical Centers

Palm Medical Centers throughout central and South Florida offers value-based, and senior-focused medical services including Primary Care, In-House Specialists, Diagnostic Services, Case Management & Clinical Care, Social Services, Transportation, Wellness Centers, Pharmacy, Telemedicine, Patient Resources, and Caregivers support.

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