Internal Medicine Doctors: Who They Are, What They Do, and When to See Them
If you are an adult searching for a primary care provider who can give comprehensive and tailored treatment for your health problems, you may consider an internal medicine doctor.
What Does an Internal Medicine Doctor Do?
Internist or internal medicine doctor does the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases majorly affecting adults and older adolescents. They often deal with complex, chronic diseases or severe illnesses.
What is an Internal Medicine Doctor?
A primary care physician who has finished a four-year bachelor’s degree, a four-year medical school, and a three-year residency in internal medicine says UMHS. They have the potential to understand and treat numerous aspects of adult health. They are also certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Internists can treat a wide range of health problems, from minor symptoms to complicated and unusual disorders. They can also provide preventive care and screening services to help you maintain your health and detect any concerns early.
Internal medicine doctors can even refer you to an expert physician if you need more advanced care.
Specialities of Internal Medicine Doctor
An internal medicine physician has specialties to treat a wide array of problems, which include,
- General Adult Medicine
- Diagnosis and Treatment
- Preventive care (health screening, lifestyle counseling, and vaccinations)
- Chronic Disease Management
- Diseases with Complex or Multiple Symptoms
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
- Rheumatology
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Intensive Care
What Conditions Does an Internal Medicine Doctor Treat?
Internal medicine doctors can treat mild to moderate to severe types of conditions. Some of the conditions they commonly treat include,
- Cough and Cold
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
- Heart Diseases (stroke)
- High Cholesterol
- Respiratory Conditions (asthma, COPD, and pulmonary disease)
- Gastrointestinal Disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Kidney Disease
- Liver Disease
- Thyroid Disorders
- Anemia and Blood-Related Disorders
- Migraines and Epilepsy
- Depression and Anxiety
- Osteoporosis
- Allergies
- Cancer
- Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Obesity and Weight Management
- Hormonal Imbalance
- Dermatological Conditions
- Diseases in Older Adults
Procedures an Internist Can Perform
Internal medicine doctors can provide continuing care in both ambulatory and hospital settings, says the . Here are some procedures they can perform,
1. Preventive Healthcare Services
- Vaccinations
- Nutritional counseling
- Wellness checkups
- Screening for common health problems
2. Preoperative Evaluation
Internists do preoperative assessments to ensure the safety of patients from preexisting conditions that can interfere with surgery.
3. Routine Procedures
- Adult vaccinations (diphtheria and tetanus, hepatitis A and B, HPV, shingles, cough)
- Injections for pain relief (cortisone shots, trigger point injections)
- Diagnostic treatments and health screening ( blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, colorectal cancer screening, hormonal testing, and mammogram)
4. Minor Office Procedures
- Removal of impurities from eyes and skin
- Cyst drainage
- Laceration repair
- Excision of skin lesions
- Simple fracture care
- Skin biopsies
Internal Medicine Doctor Vs Family Practice Physician
A family care physician and an internist are both primary care specialists. The major difference between an internal medicine doctor and a family care physician is the age range of the patients.
An internal medicine doctor only treats adults and adolescents older and deeply focuses on their organs and organ systems. On the other hand, a family care physician cures patients of all ages and focuses on the overall health of a person or family.
When Should You Go to an Internist?
You should consult an internist at a primary care clinic when you require expert treatment for health conditions, particularly those involving internal organs and systems.
They are skilled in managing chronic and acute diseases as well as providing comprehensive care for ailments that come under their specialized areas.
An internist is a good choice if your health issues demand more knowledge than a standard family practitioner can provide.
Remember, internists focus on adult patients; therefore, they are a good choice for people aged 18 or above.
Why Should You Choose PHNJ For Primary Care Needs?
At Prime Health of New Jersey, well-being and good health go hand in hand. We help you not only cure your symptoms and diseases but also avoid their spread and improve your quality of life. If you want to avail yourself of our cutting-edge and evidence-based care.
Schedule an AppointmentTo Sum Up
What does an internal medicine doctor do? An internal medicine doctor provides comprehensive treatment for a wide range of ailments and emphasizes preventive health and general well-being.
Their extensive training and expertise in diagnosis and treating complicated illness makes them an essential part of the healthcare system.
with Prime Health of New Jersey today to start feeling better and living healthier.
Schedule an Appointment