Your family medicine or internal medicine doctor is the “gatekeeper” of your medical care. (Some insurance companies require a family medicine or internal medicine doctor to oversee your care.)

This type of doctor handles many of your and your family’s medical and health needs. Your family/internal medicine doctor treats illnesses and injuries, and also helps you stay healthy and prevent illness. When your medical care requires a specialist, your family/internal medicine doctor will help diagnose your illness and then refer you to the type of specialist who can take care of your particular problem. Here are a few examples:

Cardiologist for heart problems
Gastroenterologist for stomach and intestinal problems
Gynecologist for women’s health
Nutritionist for advice regarding food and diet
Pain management