Internal medicine is a branch of medicine devoted to the health of adults. Physicians who practice in this field are called internists; many serve as primary care providers for patients from early adulthood through later life. Some people visit an internist for routine checkups, while others seek care for new symptoms or long-term health conditions. Learning what this care provider does, which conditions they commonly address, and which services they provide can help you make informed decisions about your health care.
What Is an Internist?
An internist is a type of physician, specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of medical conditions in adults. Some practice general internal medicine, and they act as long-term primary care physicians. General internists may work with specialists when a patient requires more focused evaluation.
What Do They Treat?
Internists evaluate and manage a broad range of acute and chronic conditions. Acute conditions develop suddenly, typically lasting a short time. Chronic conditions develop over time, and they may require ongoing monitoring. These physicians care for patients who have:
- Respiratory infections, such as colds and influenza
- Digestive complaints
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Adults may live with more than one chronic condition. Internists are trained to manage multiple conditions at the same time, and they can review how treatment for one condition affects another. When symptoms are unclear or do not point to a single cause, an internist may perform an evaluation to identify possible explanations.
What Approaches Do They Offer?
Internists provide a variety of services that address both preventive care and the management of existing health concerns. Preventive care makes up a large part of a care provider’s work. Regular visits give the physician an opportunity to identify changes in your health over time, and they can discuss lifestyle factors that influence your well-being. There are several other common services associated with internal medicine, including:
- Exams: A yearly visit allows the internist to review your health and discuss any changes in your health.
- Health Screenings: Physicians may recommend screenings for conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes based on your risk factors.
- Immunizations: Many internal medicine offices provide vaccines.
- Testing: Internists can order imaging or lab tests to gather more information about your health.
- Disease Management: Patients with long-term conditions may attend regular visits to monitor symptoms and adjust care plans as needed.
- Medication Management: Care providers can review your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to check for possible interactions or side effects.
When you see multiple specialists, your internist may help organize information from each provider into one comprehensive record.
Seek Professional Medical Care
Establishing care with an internist before an illness occurs can give your physician a baseline understanding of your health. This record may make it easier to recognize changes when new symptoms appear. If you notice ongoing pain or symptoms that do not improve with time, a visit with a care provider can help determine the next appropriate steps. An internist may assist with follow-up visits, and they are able to facilitate long-term monitoring as part of your ongoing health care.
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