Before people seek the care of specialized medical providers such as orthopedic doctors or cardiologists, they often seek the care of their primary doctor. Within the field of primary care medicine, family practitioners care for patients of all ages. These doctors do not have a specific specialization, but they are skilled in providing medical treatment for basic health concerns, including routine care, colds and bacterial infections, and minor injuries.

In fact, people can choose to see a family practitioner in Virginia Beach instead of seeking care at an emergency room or walk-in health clinic. This kind of doctor often practices out of his or her own office and has office hours during morning and afternoon hours. Many times a client can call the office and schedule an appointment to be seen within a few days of making the call. If the person is particularly ill, the office manager may be able to schedule the person for an appointment the same day the individual calls.

Adults are not the only people who can be treated by this professional, although arguably they are the most frequent patients seen in family practitioners' offices. However, if a parent chooses not to have his or her child treated by a pediatrician, this person can opt to have a family practitioner oversee the child's health. In fact, most of these physicians are trained in pediatric care and have practiced this area of medical treatment as medical students and interns. For that reason, they are able to monitor an infant's or adolescent's health, growth, and immunizations, as well as recognize concerns that may need further treatment. Further, if the young patient has a more serious illness like an ear infection, the physician may prescribe antibiotics or other medications as needed. With this, parents may select this kind of doctor to care for their children, as well as their entire family.

Teens can also benefit from seeing this kind of provider. Many teenagers play sports and their physician often must perform physical examinations each year. Practitioners can provide this service.

When a patient suffers from a more serious illness that is beyond their doctor's area of expertise, their provider often refers the person to a specialist. However, the person's being seen by another doctor does not exclude the primary medical provider from the patient's care plan. Indeed, a specialist will often consult with and communicate with the person's doctor as he or she undergoes treatment. The family practitioner can use this information to alter or adjust people's medications and other health routines as needed.