Parents may feel the need to take their children to a specialist whenever they get sick, which can be a good choice in many situations. However, there may be times when it is better to see a family practice physician instead of a specialist. Knowing these situations is important for parents because it can help them choose the best care options for their child and may even save money on specialist fees and time traveling between multiple different offices.

Why Seeing a Family Physician Before a Specialist Is Wise

While specialists are an important step in caring for a child's many conditions, a family doctor is often all that they need. These general practitioners can provide a broad range of care options that make them suitable for just about any condition a child may experience, beyond more severe and specialized issues. Parents may want to see a family physician before a specialist when:

• They Know What's Going On: If a child has a fairly minor illness and the parents already know what is affecting them, it is probably best to go to a family doctor instead of a specialist. These physicians can help with most moderate problems with ease.
• Insurance Payments Vary: Some insurance companies may provide varying coverage levels for family doctors and specialists. Families that want to save money on a more expensive specialist visit may instead want to work with a family doctor before moving to a specialist.
• A Family Doctor Can Easily Help: Not every problem needs a specialist to manage, such as mild colds and flu sicknesses. A family doctor can easily handle and care for these conditions, making it a better idea to work with them instead of a specialist.
• Uncertain About What is Wrong: Parents uncertain of what a child has may find a family doctor is the better choice because they can diagnose what is wrong and then suggest a specialist, rather than the parents scrambling between different specialists without help.

Choosing a Family Practitioner

People with a family doctor may want to do some careful research to ensure that they find someone who suits their needs. For example, a family practitioner may feel more comfortable working with specific age groups or people and may need to sit down with a family and discuss care options with them before providing treatment. In this way, families can find the care that makes the most sense.