Doctors are our most important partners in preventive care. They look at our health as a whole — not just isolated symptoms. Through expert advice, early detection, and personalized recommendations, they help us take a proactive approach to long-term well-being.
With so many ways a doctor can support our health journey it raises an important question— for your checkup, which doctor should you go to?
What is a Primary Care Doctor?
A primary care doctor is a medical professional who provides ongoing health care, preventive services, and management of common conditions. They help guide patients through the healthcare system and connect them with specialists when needed.
There are several main types of primary care doctors, each suited to different patient needs.
General practitioners (GPs) provide broad care for patients of all ages, handling common illnesses, minor injuries, and preventive services.
Family medicine doctors manage a wide range of health issues and often treat entire families.
Internal medicine physicians, or internists, specialize in adult care, focusing on diagnosing, treating, and preventing chronic conditions such as diabetes or hypertension.
Other examples include Pediatricians, Geriatricians, and Obstetrician-Gynecologists (OB-GYNs).
Internist vs Family Medicine vs GP: What’s the Difference?
While all primary care doctors provide essential guidance and preventive care, their focus and training can differ.
General Practitioner (GP)
- Best for: Annual Checkups, Pre‑employment and Fit‑to‑Work clearances, as well as everyday concerns like coughs, colds, or simple follow‑ups.
- Role in checkups: Conduct broad evaluations, addressing general concerns, performing routine screenings, and providing basic preventive advice.
Family Medicine Doctors
- Best for: Families and individuals who want one primary care provider for all ages, from children to seniors.
- Role in checkups: Take a more holistic approach, looking at the health of the individual in the context of their family and lifestyle, track your health over time, and coordinate referrals when problems appear.
Internist (Internal Medicine Physician)
- Best for: Adults who want a detailed, head‑to‑toe assessment, especially if they have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a strong family history of heart disease or diabetes.
- Role in health checkups: Reviews your medical history, performs detailed assessments to detect early signs of chronic conditions, managing ongoing health issues, and offering preventive strategies to complex personal health needs.
People Also Ask: Common Questions About Doctors for Checkups
If you are generally healthy and only need a basic APE or medical certificate, a GP is usually enough. If you want a deeper, adult‑focused wellness assessment or have several risk factors, going directly to an Internist makes more sense.
An Internist reviews your history, examines you, orders targeted tests, and connects you with other specialists when needed. They focus on adult conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol problems, and organ‑specific diseases.
In an ECU, the goal is to look at your health from all angles. Cardiologists check your heart and blood pressure, OB‑GYNs handle women’s reproductive health, and Gastroenterologists look after your digestive system. Seeing these specialists helps catch silent problems early.
Most adults benefit from at least one executive checkup a year, especially if they have risk factors or a family history of lifestyle‑related diseases. Your doctor can adjust the frequency based on your age, results, and overall health.
Get your health checkup at Shinagawa Diagnostic
Understanding which doctor to consult during your health checkup is essential, but it is only one part of maintaining good health. Choosing the right healthcare partner is just as important.
At Shinagawa Diagnostic, our medical team works closely across disciplines to ensure continuity of care, ranging from primary care doctors such as General Practitioners and Family Medicine physicians to specialists including Cardiologists and Gastroenterologists.
Guided by Japanese medical standards, we are here to help you address any questions or concerns you may have, helping you see your health clearly and can take informed steps toward prevention and overall wellness.