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Internal medicine is a medical specialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of internal diseases. Doctors specializing in internal medicine are called internists.
Internal medicine physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Chronic illnesses: These are long-term health problems that can't be cured. Some examples of chronic illnesses include heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- Preventive care: This type of care is designed to help prevent health problems from happening. Some examples of preventive care include screenings for cancer and vaccinations.
- Women's health: This type of care focuses on the health of women. Some examples of women's health care include menopause and pregnancy.
- Men's health: This type of care focuses on the health of men. Some examples of men's health care include prostate cancer and infertility.
- Geriatrics: This type of care focuses on the care of older adults. Some examples of geriatric care include memory loss and arthritis.
How do I find an internal medicine doctor?
You can find an internal medicine doctor by:
- Asking your friends and family for recommendations. This is a good way to get the names of doctors who are well-respected in your community.
- Searching online directories. There are many websites that list doctors by specialty and location.
- Contacting your insurance company to see if they have a list of in-network doctors. This is a good way to find doctors who are covered by your insurance plan.
What should I expect when I see an internal medicine doctor?
When you see an internal medicine doctor, you will:
- Discuss your medical history. The doctor will ask you questions about your health, including any illnesses or injuries you have had in the past.
- Answer questions about your symptoms. The doctor will ask you to describe any symptoms you are experiencing.
- Undergo a physical examination. The doctor will examine you to look for any signs of illness or injury.
- Receive a diagnosis and treatment plan. The doctor will diagnose your condition and recommend a treatment plan.
The benefits of seeing an internal medicine doctor include:
- Access to comprehensive care. An internal medicine doctor can provide care for a wide range of health problems.
- A focus on prevention. An internal medicine doctor can help you prevent health problems by providing preventive care.
- A team of specialists. An internal medicine doctor can refer you to specialists if you need additional care.
- A focus on your individual needs. An internal medicine doctor can work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
What are the risks of seeing an internal medicine doctor?
The risks of seeing an internal medicine doctor include:
- Increased costs. Seeing an internal medicine doctor can be more expensive than seeing a primary care doctor.
- More time spent in the hospital. If you are sick, you may need to spend more time in the hospital if you see an internal medicine doctor.
- More time away from work. If you are sick, you may need to take more time off from work if you see an internal medicine doctor.
- It is important to note that the benefits of seeing an internal medicine doctor typically far outweigh any potential risks.
- They are trained to provide personalized, evidence-based care that is tailored to your unique needs and medical history.
What are the alternatives to seeing an internal medicine doctor?
- Seeing a family doctor. A family doctor can provide care for a wide range of health problems.
- Seeing a nurse practitioner. A nurse practitioner can provide care for a wide range of health problems.
- Seeing a physician assistant. A physician assistant can provide care for a wide range of health problems.
What should I do if I have any questions?
ContactIf you have any questions about internal medicine, you should ask your doctor or another healthcare professional.