Healthcare has a wide range of specialties, and internal medicine is among the most common. An internal medicine doctor sees adult patients for wellness visits and to diagnose and treat a broad range of conditions. Most patients see internal medicine physicians, also known as internists, when they first have a healthcare concern. They serve as the primary healthcare giver for patients who are generally healthy or have minor conditions that they can manage with the help of a specialist.
In most healthcare settings, patients need to be at least 18 years old to see an internist. Before their 18th birthday, they see pediatricians.
Here is a closer look at the benefits of seeing an internal medicine doctor.
An Internal Medicine Doctor Provides Comprehensive Care
It is wise to settle on an internist who can serve as your primary healthcare contact. An internal medicine doctor can take care of most medical needs, or they will refer you to a specialist if they are unable to diagnose or treat you on their own.
Many patients see the same internal medicine physician repeatedly. You may develop a years-long relationship and trust your internist. The internist becomes familiar with your unique healthcare needs and can help manage any conditions that you have. People with chronic issues like asthma, hypertension, or diabetes can benefit from having one physician who can give consistent guidance and adjust medications to get the best possible outcome.
Internists can also provide preventative healthcare advice and education to help you avoid health issues.
An Internal Medicine Doctor Has Good Diagnosis Skills
Internal medicine doctors see a broad spectrum of patients, so they likely have experience in diagnosing different diseases and conditions. These doctors also know when it is better to get a second opinion from a specialist. They can focus the diagnosis down to a specific symptom or body part and then refer you to an expert in that area of healthcare for a more exact diagnosis.
An Internal Medicine Doctor Helps with Preventative Medicine
Internists do not only diagnose and treat, but they also help prevent diseases. If you start seeing an internal medicine doctor early in life, they can help prevent diseases by advising you on lifestyle changes, diet changes, fitness, posture, and other problems.
They may also learn your family’s medical history to see if you are predisposed to specific diseases.
You Can Develop a Relationship
You will see an internal medicine doctor more often than most emergency room doctors or specialists. Not only will you develop a relationship with your internist, but you will become familiar with their clinic or office and also get to know the nurses and support staff who work with them.
Your internal medicine doctor is also usually more accessible than a busy surgeon or physician. You can schedule an appointment or reach out via phone or e-visit.
An Internal Medicine Doctor Can Offer Mental Health Care
In addition to illnesses and physical conditions, an internal medicine doctor can also assess mental health issues. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medication, and refer you to a counselor for additional therapy.
How Is an Internal Medicine Doctor Different from Other Physicians?
Internists, general care physicians, and family medicine specialists all provide primary care. This means they are the first contact for all your non-emergency medical needs. General practice physicians diagnose, treat, and examine patients of all ages, and family medicine doctors do the same. An internal medicine doctor only sees adult patients over 18 years of age. Because of this age limit, they provide the most specialized care (along with pediatricians) of all primary care doctors.
Find the Best Internal Medicine Doctor for Your Needs
Matthews Internal Medicine offers internal medicine services, including preventative medicine, management of medical conditions, disease screening, mental health diagnosis, and other primary care services. We focus on improving the patient’s overall health and managing chronic conditions.
Contact us today to learn more about our internal medicine services.