Kids typically visit the doctor considerably more frequently than adults do, whether it's for annual sports physicals or playground accidents. It's crucial to visit a doctor that both you and your child are comfortable with when you're making that many trips to the doctor's office. You might be unsure of the difference between Houston family medicine and pediatrics as you seek the best medical care for your child. How are they different if they both accept kids as patients? Is one preferable to the other? To assist you in making the best decision for your family, here are some insights into the differences between pediatricians and family physicians. Whether you’re looking for family physicians, pediatricians, or general doctors, we at Houston Family Practice can help.
Pediatrician vs family doctor: What’s the difference?
The age of the patients that each type of doctor treats is the major difference between them. Typically, pediatricians only see patients who are younger than 18 years old, while some do see patients as old as 21. Family physicians may treat patients of any age or may limit their practice to those who are older.
Both Houston primary care physicians and pediatricians are required to complete four years of medical school as well as a three-year residency (training) in their chosen field. A residency in pediatrics is completed by pediatricians. To become a family doctor, candidates must finish a residency in family medicine, which includes training in geriatrics, adult medicine, and some pediatrics (elderly patient care). The American Board of Pediatrics then certifies pediatricians, granting them medical licenses. The American Board of Family Medicine also certifies family physicians.
Both types of doctors are completely capable of providing care and treating patients, but pediatricians have a focus on children and a deeper understanding of the growth, development, and behavior of young children. A patient can receive care from a family doctor throughout their whole adult life, on the other hand.
Whether it’s medical clearance for surgery or annual health exam, it’s advisable to choose the best general doctors in Houston.
Choosing between Houston family medicine and pediatrics: When should your child see a pediatrician?
For as long as they are young enough to be eligible for care, children can see a pediatrician. It's typical for children to see a pediatrician well after they turn one because some family doctors won't see patients younger than a particular age. Even when your child reaches the appropriate age to begin seeing a family doctor, there are some situations where it's advantageous to continue visiting a pediatrician. You ought to keep taking your child to the pediatrician if:
● Was born prematurely
● Has a congenital condition or has special needs
● Still requires some childhood immunizations, such as those for the MMR or the chickenpox
● Does not yet feel comfortable changing to a new physician
When ought your child to start seeing a family physician?
There will come a point when your child needs to switch to a family doctor because pediatricians are only trained to care for youngsters. But you don't have to wait till they are 18; in fact, switching over earlier can be advantageous. Asking your child about their current doctor and whether they would feel comfortable switching is the first step in the process. While some people can feel strongly that they're ready to see a new doctor, others could choose to keep going to the same one.
As they become older, older kids and teens could exhibit interest in going to a "grown-up doctor." This happens frequently because some kids may grow to dislike the kid-friendly décor in their pediatrician's office. Teenagers may even consider their pediatrician to be a "little kid doctor," making them feel too ashamed to discuss sexual health concerns with them. Additionally, family doctors frequently assist patients with sexual or gynecological health, so switching once your child enters puberty may be advantageous.
The choice to transition from a pediatrician to a family doctor ultimately comes down to your child's individual medical requirements and if they'd feel more at ease visiting a family doctor. If you’re looking for the best Houston family medicine and pediatrics, you can get in touch with Houston Family Practice.
