In my experience, it really doesn't matter whether I start with a family practice or an internist. If there is a hint of anything to look at, you are referred to a specialist. Even from there, with orthopedics as an example; if you have shoulder and knee problems, you'll probably end up seeing at least two for actual treatment. I find that tiresome, especially since moving to this area where I don't know any drs. and have to "find" every specialist, one at a time. I chalk it up to living the last 33 years in a relatively small town, where I know almost all the physicians or at least someone who did and could usually been seen while still exhibiting the symtoms.
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