Family Medicine at UPMC

Maybe you're worried about an elderly parent's blood pressure, or it's time to get your yearly flu shot. Or perhaps you're expecting a new baby and need to find them a doctor.

A family medicine provider can handle most of these needs.

Having a family doctor means fostering a long-term relationship with them.

Over the years, they get to know your health history. They also get to know your family, culture, and what you like.

Our family practice doctors at UPMC:

• See people throughout all stages of life.
• Specialize in keeping you healthy through preventive care.
• Offer health screenings, vaccines, and routine checkups.
• Treat everything from bee stings to the flu to heart disease.

What Is Family Medicine?

Family medicine is one type of primary care medicine. The others are internal medicine and pediatric care.

Some family medicine doctors care for newborns and infants. Others start seeing children at early adolescence.

If you're pregnant and are looking for a family doctor, be sure to ask if they see newborns and infants.

What are the principles of family medicine?

The principles of family medicine include:

• Compassionate care. A kind attitude and desire to help.
• Evidence based care. Diagnosis and treatment based on the most up-to-date information.
• A generalist's approach. Whole-person care within the context of your family, culture, and society.
• A long-term relationship. A lasting bond of trust and respect between you and your doctor over the years.
• Reflective mindfulness. Awareness of their thoughts and emotions and a sense of presence.
• Lifelong learning. A quest for lifelong growth in their personal life and their work.

What Does a Family Medicine Provider Do?

Your family doctor is the primary care provider (PCP) who watches over your health care.

They can:

• Give a range of care and treatments.
• Catch and help stop health issues before they become serious.
• Refer you to other experts and arrange any advanced care.

A long-term relationship with your PCP may lead to a healthier, happier life.

UPMC family medicine treatments and services include preventive care for all ages, such as:

• Health screenings.
• Vaccines.
• Yearly physical exams.

Some family medicine practices offer gynecology services, including:

• Birth control.
• Pap tests.
• Preconception planning.
• Prenatal care.

Our family medicine clinics also offer treatments and services in the same office.

We're part of the vast network of UPMC experts. That's vital if you need home, hospital, or advanced care.

We have locations throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New York. Some practices offer extended hours, walk-in visits, and urgent care.

Conditions UPMC Family Medicine PCPs Treat

PCPs treat many illnesses, injuries, and chronic health issues.

Acute health issues

• Colds.
• Coughs.
• Ear infections.
• Flu.
• Skin rashes.
• Sore throats.
• UTIs.

Children's health needs

• Colds.
• Coughs.
• Ear infections.
• Routine well visits.
• Vaccines.

Chronic conditions

• Allergies.
• Arthritis.
• Asthma.
• Diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Obesity.

And many more chronic health issues.

Men's health issues

• Erectile dysfunction.
• Enlarged prostate.
• Incontinence.

Mental health problems

• Anxiety.
• Depression.

Minor injuries

• Bumps and bruises.
• Bug bites.
• Scrapes.
• Sports injuries.
• Sprains.

Women's health issues

• Incontinence.
• Menopause.
• Osteoporosis.
• Thyroid issues.

Making an Appointment With UPMC Family Medicine

You don't need a referral, but you will need an appointment to visit one of our family medicine offices.

Find a family medicine health provider close to you. Then call to plan a visit.

Your first visit

When you see us for the first time, please come ready to:

• Share your health insurance information.
• Answer a health history questionnaire.
• Have your health records sent to us.
• Have a complete physical exam.
• Ask any questions you might have.
• Schedule follow-up visits.

View more information about your visit to UPMC Primary Care.

Improving the Future of Family Medicine

The UPMC Department of Family Medicine works with residents and doctors to:

• Provide high quality care for people of all ages.
• Train future doctors about the scope of primary care.
• Support research.