Internal medicine is a medical specialty, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting adults. Physicians who practice in this field are called internists. Specialists can concentrate on a single organ or body system, but these providers take a broad view of adult health. They often manage several health concerns at once and coordinate care with other providers when needed.
What Is an Internist?
An internist is a physician who specializes in internal medicine and provides care for adults, typically from late adolescence through older age. Their training covers a wide range of body systems, and this can include the heart, digestive tract, and endocrine system. Internists also differ from family medicine physicians. Family physicians treat patients of all ages, including children, while internists focus exclusively on adults. This focus allows them to develop in-depth knowledge of health concerns that commonly arise during adulthood.
What Conditions Do They Treat?
Internists evaluate and manage a broad range of health concerns. Patients may visit a provider for a short-term illness, an ongoing condition, or symptoms that do not yet have a clear explanation. Internists are trained to recognize how different conditions interact, so they can see patients who have more than one health issue. Common conditions that they address vary, including:
- Cardiovascular Conditions: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease
- Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions: Type 2 diabetes and obesity
- Musculoskeletal Concerns: Arthritis, osteoporosis, and joint pain
When a condition requires specialized treatment, an internist may refer you to a specialist. The internist can continue to oversee your overall care and help coordinate communication between providers.
What Services Do They Offer?
Internists provide a variety of services designed to support adult health over time. Preventive care focuses on identifying potential health concerns before symptoms develop. During an annual physical, an internist will typically review your medical history, and they can recommend screenings based on your circumstances. For patients living with long-term conditions, they develop treatment plans that may include medication, lifestyle guidance, and regular monitoring. Follow-up visits allow the internist to track progress and adjust the plan as needed.
Internists order and interpret tests to help identify the cause of symptoms. These can include electrocardiograms (EKGs). If you experience disrupted sleep, loud snoring, or daytime fatigue, a physician will evaluate your symptoms and help determine whether sleep apnea may be the cause. A sleep study is typically recommended, and your provider can develop a treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes or referral to a sleep specialist.
Internists may also support patients who want to reach and maintain a healthy weight. They often utilize a personalized approach, and this can include nutritional guidance, physical activity recommendations, and medication. Regular check-ins help track progress, allowing them to adjust the plan to suit your needs and goals.
Schedule a Check-up
Regular check-ups give your internist an opportunity to establish a baseline record of your health. This record can make it easier to identify changes over time that warrant further evaluation. Adults typically schedule a routine check-up once a year; your care provider may suggest a different schedule based on your health history and current conditions. Establishing care with an internist before a health concern arises allows you to build an ongoing relationship with a physician who understands your full medical history. Contact an internal medicine practice to schedule a check-up, allowing you to learn more about the services available to you.
