Family Medicine

Sutter Health has convenient primary care locations across Northern California, with some offering same-day or next-day appointments. Family doctors in our integrated healthcare network are dedicated to building relationships with their patients at every age and stage. 

Our family primary care providers practice a broad range of services, including:

• Preventive care
• Health screenings
• Immunizations and vaccinations
• Physical exams
• Disease management

Your family medicine doctor can counsel you on lifestyle changes that can improve your health and help prevent conditions before they happen. Many family medicine doctors also have expertise in adolescent medicine, sports medicine and geriatric medicine.

Family Medicine and Internal Medicine

What’s the difference between a family doctor and an internal medicine doctor? In a word: age. Family doctors provide healthcare for patients from infants to age 99+. Internal medicine providers care for adults but generally don’t see children or teens under age 18. 

Family Medicine: Partners in Health

Your family doctor is more than a healthcare provider — they’re confidantes who help guide you when making important decisions about your whole family. From soothing baby’s first cold to advising Grandma about the pneumonia vaccine, family doctors are there to help you and your loved ones.

Providers of family care in the Sutter Health network understand the value of compassionate care. We’re proud to work with highly skilled primary care doctors, physician’s assistants and nurse practitioners who specialize in comprehensive, continuing healthcare and who are dedicated to fostering relationships with every member of your family. 

Preventive Care and Screenings

A family doctor who knows your history can help guide you toward healthier decisions. They also help you prevent and recover from common illnesses and reduce your risk for diseases. Screenings, testing and well-checks help you and your doctor stay on top of your health. Family doctors are there to address your concerns, review your family’s health history and discuss preventive care options.

Screenings are vital to maintaining good health. Your primary care provider can recommend and help coordinate annual screenings and tests you may need. Your primary care provider can perform a range of assessments, from checking reflexes to pap smears to blood tests. It’s the first step to maintaining good health.

Vaccines and Immunizations

Vaccines prevent deadly illness, saving millions of lives. Family doctors know which vaccines and immunizations are appropriate and necessary at every life stage. Babies, kids and adults require regular checkups and immunizations to prevent common illnesses. Vaccines are also required for school, sports and other activities. Primary care providers track the latest guidance on vaccination, including the timing for COVID-19 boosters. They’re knowledgeable and proactive when it comes to disease prevention. Family doctors provide guidance and tracking you can trust for keeping your family’s immunizations up to date.

Pregnancy and Pediatrics

Your family doctor can be a source of information and support for moms-to-be and their kids. If you’re pregnant, your primary care doctor can confirm that you’re expecting with testing, help guide you with dietary and supplement recommendations and provide referrals to specialists. 

Babies and children can be seen for common illnesses and immunizations at family medicine clinics. All infants and kids should have regular checkups, including height and weight tracking and screening for hearing, vision and development. Family doctors can also provide services like sports physicals. 

Treatment for Illness and Chronic Conditions

Besides more general primary care services, family doctors are the first step in diagnosing conditions like asthma, diabetes and mental illness, which can affect people at any age. Heart disease prevention guidance, high blood pressure management and cholesterol screening can be managed through your family practice. They can also monitor and treat health issues for older people, including arthritis and osteoporosis.

A family doctor refers patients to specialists for chronic health issues and more. Your primary care provider can counsel you on lifestyle changes and preventive measures to further improve your overall health as well as ongoing conditions.