A family medicine doctor is a primary care physician trained to care for patients of every age, from newborns to older adults. Instead of focusing on one organ system or one stage of life, family medicine covers the full range of everyday health needs: check-ups, sick visits, preventive screenings, and ongoing care for long-term conditions. For many families in Northern Virginia, that means one practice can care for parents, kids, and grandparents under the same roof.
At Anna Health, our family medicine team sees patients of all ages at four locations: Reston, Tysons, Woodbridge, and Arlington Boulevard in Fairfax.
What Family Medicine Doctors Do
Family medicine is built around continuity. You see the same practice over time, and your care team gets to know your history, your family's history, and what is normal for you. That background makes it easier to notice changes early and to coordinate care when you need a specialist.
A family medicine practice typically handles:
- Annual physicals and wellness visits for adults, with screenings based on age and health history
- Check-ups for children and teens, including school and sports forms
- Sick visits for common illnesses like colds, flu, sore throats, ear pain, rashes, and minor injuries
- Ongoing care for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
- Lab work and follow-up to track your health over time
- Referrals and care coordination when you need a specialist
Family Medicine vs. Internal Medicine vs. Pediatrics
All three are forms of primary care. The main difference is who they treat.
- Family medicine doctors care for patients of all ages, including children and adults.
- Internal medicine doctors (internists) care for adults only.
- Pediatricians care for infants, children, and teens, usually until early adulthood.
If you want one practice for the whole household, family medicine is the only one of the three that covers everyone. It also means a teenager does not have to switch doctors at 18, and parents can schedule visits for themselves and their kids in the same place.
Why Having a Primary Care Doctor Matters
Many adults skip primary care until something goes wrong, then end up at urgent care or the emergency room for problems a regular doctor could have handled. Having an established family doctor gives you a few practical advantages:
- Faster access when you are sick. Existing patients can often get a same-day appointment instead of waiting at an urgent care clinic.
- A complete record in one place. Your medications, past results, and history are already on file, so each visit starts from what your doctor already knows.
- Preventive care on schedule. Your doctor keeps track of which screenings and vaccines are due for your age.
- A starting point for specialist care. Many insurance plans require a primary care referral before you see a specialist.
How Family Medicine Works at Anna Health
Anna Health is a multi-specialty practice, so our family medicine offices work alongside our OB/GYN and fertility teams. Patients who already see us for gynecology or pregnancy care can bring the rest of their family to the same practice for primary care.
Our family medicine offices offer:
- Care for all ages, from infants to older adults
- Same-day visits for illnesses and urgent concerns
- Telehealth appointments for follow-ups and concerns that do not need a physical exam
- Convenient lab work, with a Labcorp location next to each office so bloodwork ordered during your visit is easy to complete
You can find our family medicine locations and providers here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a family medicine doctor the same as a primary care doctor?
A family medicine doctor is one type of primary care doctor. "Primary care" is the broader category, which also includes internal medicine and pediatrics. Family medicine is the primary care specialty that treats all ages.
Can a family doctor see my kids?
Yes. Family medicine doctors are trained to care for children, including infants and teens. At Anna Health, our family medicine team sees patients of all ages.
How often should I see my family doctor?
Most adults benefit from a yearly wellness visit, plus sick visits as needed. If you are managing a chronic condition, your doctor may recommend more frequent follow-ups. Children usually have check-ups on a set schedule that changes with age.
Do I need a referral to see a family medicine doctor?
Usually not. Family medicine is often the first point of contact in the healthcare system. Check with your insurance plan, since some plans ask you to choose a primary care doctor on file.
