An internist or internal medicine doctor is a physician specializing in internal medicine – a discipline dedicated to the care and treatment of adults. Internists spend at least three of their seven years of medical training learning how to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases for adults.
What does an Internist do?
Internists can perform the same functions as general practitioners or family doctors only that internal medicine doctors do not treat people below the age of 18.
The reason you need an internist and not just a general practitioner as an adult is because of their specialized training in diseases that affect major organs that usually do not affect kids.
While family doctors handle all cases including those of children, internists will only see adults, which not only frees up their time for appointments but also give them the required experience to expertly handle the most complicated of adult concerns.
An internist can serve as your primary care physician (PCP) if the rest of your family members see specialist practitioners such as gynecologists or pediatricians.
Internists can manage your preventive care by planning cholesterol screenings, blood pressure screenings and mammograms.
They can also diagnose and treat acute diseases, coordinate supplementary medical services and get in touch with other specialists that make up your healthcare team. Unless they have undergone further specialized training, internists may not be able to provide surgery, labor and delivery, and pediatric care.
What to expect from an internal medicine doctor
A typical visit to an internist’s office is not so different from a general physician’s and will be influenced mainly by the severity of your medical concern.
A general internal medicine (GIM) evaluation may take as little as four days or as much as a week and it’s only wise that you consider an internist willing to fit appointments in your personal schedule.
An evaluation process is composed of the following:
- Review of your medical information – Your health history provided by your primary care provider is important in determining whether you need lab sessions prior to the main evaluation.
- Initial appointment – The internist will conduct a general evaluation of your health, which may include a full physical exam. If necessary, you may be referred to specialists for further evaluation
- Return appointment – This will only be necessary if you have been referred to a specialist. It will help your internal medicine doctor review test results and recommend treatment.
You’re advised to share your results with your PCP, who should oversee your progress and provide you with prescription refills. Having the same doctor serve as your internist and PCP will save you the hassle of the multiple trips to different offices.
How to prepare
Prior to your visit to an internist, ensure you know what you want and have your concerns listed ahead of time. Also, remember to bring along your prescription and non-prescription medications so that your internist can review them and recommend compatible treatment.
Seeing an internist ensures you get diagnosed and treated by someone who has experience and has possibly handled a case like yours before. Call (818)-986-7399 to schedule an appointment with the best internist in Encino.