Family Medicine FAQs

At Brevard Health Alliance, family medicine is a medical specialty that provides comprehensive health care for individuals ages 18 and up. Family medicine physicians often function as primary care doctors, and they’re trained to treat a wide range of conditions and provide preventive care, health education, and ongoing disease management. In short, these healthcare professionals focus on the overall well-being of their patients, ranging from young adults to seniors.

If that’s family medicine, what does internal medicine mean? You may wonder, if family medicine covers adults, what is internal medicine? At Brevard Health Alliance, we use the terms “family medicine” and “internal medicine” similarly, as both specialties involve adult care. At BHA, we also have a distinct focus on pediatrics, which means we use the term family medicine a bit differently from other practices. Our internal medicine clinicians specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating adult diseases, particularly for patients with complex, chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Like family medicine physicians, internal medicine doctors often serve as primary care providers for adults.

Primary care is for everyone. It serves as the first point of contact for patients when they have a health concern. Primary care providers (PCPs) offer preventive care, treat common illnesses, manage chronic diseases, and refer patients to specialists when necessary. They build long-term relationships with patients, which helps provide continuous and personalized care.

Family medicine physicians are in high demand. Their broad skill set allows them to provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population, making them essential in all kinds of healthcare settings. What’s more, the growing emphasis on preventative care and chronic disease management has further increased the need for family practitioners.

A primary care doctor will be able to listen to your concerns about a variety of health topics. If you’re dealing with a health problem, don’t hesitate to discuss it with your PCP. Specific topics include:

• Your medical history and ongoing health concerns
• Any medications or supplements you’re currently taking
• Preventative measures such as vaccinations and screenings
• Lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and mental health
• Any new symptoms or changes in your health

Even if you rarely get sick, a primary care physician is essential to maintaining your overall health. Regular check-ups with your PCP serve to catch health issues early, provide preventative care, and offer personalized advice to keep you healthy. Establishing a relationship with a PCP ensures you have a trusted medical professional to turn to when you need care—even if you rarely do.

Many family medicine and primary care doctors are trained to perform minor procedures, such as suturing wounds, draining abscesses, and conducting skin biopsies. They may be equipped to handle other common procedures necessary during routine visits as well. If your PCP cannot provide a certain procedure, they can refer you to a provider who does.

Family medicine physicians offer a full spectrum of preventive services, including routine physical exams, vaccinations, screenings for various health conditions, and lifestyle counseling. They focus on early detection and prevention of diseases, which goes a long way to helping patients maintain optimal health.

If you live with a chronic illness, don’t hesitate to discuss your needs with a primary care doctor. Family medicine providers often play a crucial role in managing chronic diseases. They may provide ongoing monitoring, medication management, coordination of care, and advice for lifestyle modifications.

In addition to physical health problems, family medicine doctors can also address behavioral and mental health issues. They are trained to recognize and manage common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Family practitioners often provide initial assessments, treatment, and referrals to mental health specialists when necessary, ensuring patients receive well-rounded support.

Opting for a family medicine provider is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself.. These healthcare professionals bring lots of value to your life beyond just run-of-the-mill check-ups and treatments. Here are the top two reasons to choose family medicine:

• Personalized Care—Primary care physicians are dedicated to providing personalized care to each patient. Because they often develop years-long relationships with their patients, they’re better able to customize care plans to unique needs.
• Coordination of Care—Some patients require several healthcare providers to meet their needs. A PCP can coordinate among specialists and ensure patients don’t experience any gaps in care.

How often you should see your primary care doctor will vary depending on your age, health status, and existing medical conditions. Generally, it’s recommended to have at least an annual wellness check-up. However, if you have chronic conditions or ongoing health concerns, your PCP may suggest more frequent visits to monitor and manage them effectively.

If you’re seeing one of our Brevard Health Alliance providers for the first time, welcome! At your first appointment, it’s a good idea to bring the following items:

• A list of current medications and supplements
• Any relevant medical records or test results
• Your insurance information and ID, if available
• A list of questions or concerns you want to discuss
• Information about your family’s medical history

At Brevard Health Alliance, we’re proud to provide comprehensive care to patients in Rockledge, Melbourne, Palm Bay, and beyond. Our family medicine practitioners have a wide range of specialties within the field, including:

• Internal medicine
• Geriatrics
• Women’s Health
• Diabetes Management
• Chronic Care Management
• Infectious Disease
• Podiatry