General practitioners will not have the same depth of knowledge as a specialist in that area. If you have a complex or detailed medical question, the general practitioner will be left unanswered long before the appropriate specialist. We'll help you recommend a specialist doctor based on your medical needs. We have more than 1,350 medical specialists in Singapore and Malaysia on the Smarter Health panel.
Like internists, general practitioners are considered to be primary care doctors. One of the biggest differences between an internist and a general practitioner is that, while internists usually treat only adults, general practitioners are trained to provide care for patients of all ages. General practitioners and physicians perform similar functions, but there are also some differences between them. General practitioners treat minor illnesses, while doctors tend to be more specialized in their offices.
For example, medical specialists may specialize in internal medicine, ophthalmology, neurology, etc. A general practitioner may use laboratory tests to diagnose a disease, prescribe medications as treatment, evaluate your general health, and connect you with a specialist if necessary. If you're seeking treatment for a physical or mental health problem, your first point of contact is likely to be a general practitioner. If you have a family history of chronic diseases, are at risk for a chronic condition, or have symptoms, an evaluation by your family doctor will benefit your health and peace of mind.
Specialist doctors can perform more comprehensive health exams, since they have in-depth knowledge in their field of medical specialty. A medical specialist will be able to determine the type of medical treatment that fits your condition. In the case of a mental health crisis, your family doctor can connect you with a mental health specialist. When you know what type of illness you are facing, it is best to consult a specialist doctor.
When you start to feel sick, your first instinct is to see a general practitioner, whether in a clinic, health center, or hospital. General practitioners can prescribe medications, lifestyle recommendations, and follow-up care for chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, and some mental health conditions. People sometimes use “family doctor”, “primary care doctor” and “internist” interchangeably. A general practitioner's job is to treat illnesses that arise suddenly and provide an early diagnosis; this includes providing preventive care and educating patients.
A general practitioner is a medical professional who provides care and treatment for general health conditions. To become a general practitioner, a person must complete approximately six years of medical education. General practitioners can play a critical role in the early detection of health conditions, as well as in preventive medicine.
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