In general, a family practitioner refers to a doctor that provides general, ongoing healthcare to patients of all ages and walks of life. A family practitioner may also be called a family doctor, general practitioner, family physician, or primary care provider. Family practitioners are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat many different health conditions, and in the case that something is outside of their scope, they will refer patients to the right specialist for further care. Family doctors are usually the first point of contact if you have a health issue or concern that is not an emergency or doesn’t require immediate care. They are an integral part of your health, as they are often the first to notice and diagnose serious health issues, and they can administer medication or monitor ongoing treatment based on your needs. Family practitioners also provide services like yearly physical exams, or referrals for things like X-rays and blood work. They can then analyze the results of these tests to diagnose and treat various issues.