Who Is a General Doctor?

A general doctor, also known as a General Practitioner (GP) or family physician, is often the first point of contact for most health concerns. They provide comprehensive care, manage common illnesses, and coordinate ongoing treatment.

Visit a General Doctor When You Have:

• Fever, cough, cold, or flu symptoms
• Minor infections or injuries
• Headaches or body aches
• Digestive discomfort
• Routine checkups and preventive care
• General mental or emotional concerns

General doctors assess your condition, provide initial treatment, and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Who Is a Specialist?

A specialist is a doctor with advanced training in a specific area of medicine, such as cardiology, psychiatry, orthopedics, neurology, or gastroenterology.

Visit a Specialist When You Have:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms
• A diagnosed chronic condition
• A condition that requires advanced testing or procedures
• Referred by a general doctor
• Complex or unusual symptoms

Specialists provide targeted expertise and advanced treatment options.

When Should You Start with a General Doctor?

In most cases, it’s best to begin with a general doctor if:

• You’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms
• Symptoms are mild or new
• You need preventive screening or routine care

General doctors help identify the problem and decide if specialist care is necessary.

When Is It Better to See a Specialist Directly?

You may consider seeing a specialist first if:

• You have severe or ongoing symptoms
• Your condition has not improved with general treatment
• You need specialized mental health or rehabilitation care
• You have been previously diagnosed and require follow-up care

For example, persistent chest pain may require a cardiologist, while long-term emotional distress may require a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Mental Health: GP or Specialist?

Mental health concerns can be addressed by both:

• General doctors for initial evaluation and mild concerns
• Psychiatrists or psychologists for ongoing therapy, medication management, or complex conditions

Early mental health support improves outcomes and quality of life.

How Tranquil & Quest Supports Your Care

At Tranquil & Quest Specialist Hospital (TQSH) and Tranquil & Quest Behavioral Health (TQBH), our care model ensures smooth coordination between general doctors and specialists.

We provide:

• General consultations
• Specialist referrals
• Mental and behavioral health services
• In-person and telehealth care

Our team works together to deliver personalized, seamless care.

Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Choosing the right doctor ensures faster diagnosis, effective treatment, and peace of mind. When in doubt, start with a general doctor, they’ll guide you to the appropriate specialist if needed.