Who is an internist?
Internists are primary care physicians who treat adult patients at homes, clinics, hospitals, Intensive Care Units (ICUs), or nursing homes. Also called doctors of internal medicine or "the doctor's doctor," they are experts at solving complicated diagnostic problems. They coordinate with other specialists, such as obstetricians and surgeons, to care for patients with complex medical issues.
Internists treat patients with chronic and multiple illnesses and educate and advise them on different issues. These include common problems of the reproductive organs, nervous system, skin, ears, and eyes. They also focus on disease prevention and can consult patients for mental health, substance abuse, and women's health.
What kind of education and training do internists receive?
Internists are also known as general internists. Those who wish to become internists must complete their graduation in science before enrolling in a medical school. After studying and training for four years in a medical school, they must pursue a three-year residency in internal medicine.
Some internists also focus on subspecialties such as pulmonary disease, critical care, geriatrics, dermatology, cardiology, psychiatry, neurology, hormonal issues, etc. Learning and training for a subspecialty require two to three years of additional intense study. To become a board-certified internist, they must pass an American Board of Internal Medicine exam.
What are some subspecialties in internal medicine?
General internists care for adult patients with various conditions, while subspecialists concentrate on specific diseases, organ systems, or patient groups. Here are some subspecialties of internal medicine:
1. Rheumatology: Rheumatologists diagnose and treat diseases affecting joints, muscles, and tissues, providing comprehensive care and collaborating with other healthcare providers.
2. Allergy and immunology: These physicians specialize in allergy and immunology and diagnose and treat conditions such as asthma, allergies, and immunodeficiency disorders, offering clinical and research-based care.
3. Pulmonary disease: Pulmonologists diagnose and treat respiratory disorders, including asthma and pulmonary hypertension, offering both medical management and interventional procedures.
4. Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism: Endocrinologists focus on hormonal and metabolic disorders, utilizing lab tests and research to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the endocrine system.
5. Gastroenterology: Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat digestive organ disorders, performing procedures and offering medical management for conditions like ulcers and liver disease.
6. Cardiovascular disease: Cardiologists specialize in diseases of the heart and blood vessels, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and preventive measures for conditions like coronary artery disease.
7. Infectious disease: Infectious disease specialists diagnose and treat infections caused by microorganisms, utilizing a range of treatments and strategies to manage diseases like hepatitis and HIV.
8. Nephrology: Nephrologists diagnose and manage kidney disorders, including conditions requiring dialysis or transplantation, providing both medical and procedural interventions.
9. Medical oncology: Medical oncologists specialize in treating cancer and noncancerous tumors, collaborating with other specialists to provide comprehensive cancer care.
10. Geriatric medicine: Geriatricians specialize in the care of elderly patients, addressing age-related medical complexities and coordinating care across various settings.
11. Adolescent medicine: Adolescent medicine specialists focus on the healthcare needs of young people transitioning into adulthood, addressing issues like reproductive health, eating disorders, and substance misuse.
12. Sleep medicine: Sleep medicine specialists diagnose and manage sleep disorders, utilizing various techniques to address conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea.
13. Advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology: These experts manage complex heart failure cases, including post-transplant care, and provide consultation services to other healthcare providers.
14. Critical care medicine: Critical care physicians manage critically ill patients, often in intensive care settings, providing expert diagnosis and treatment for various conditions.
What's the difference between internists and family physicians?
The main difference between internists and family physicians is that internists only treat adults from age 18 to old age. In contrast, family physicians treat people of all ages, including children. Internists have intensive training in primary care screening and treating conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.
Family physicians study various subjects such as obstetrics, adult medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, mental health, and more. Family physicians handle multiple problems that may affect different family members.
Common conditions and issues treated by an internist near you
Internists are well-equipped to address the following conditions:
- Diabetes: It is a chronic illness affecting the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. In addition to prescribing medication and monitoring blood sugar levels, internists can assist patients in managing their diabetes through dietary and lifestyle changes.
- Asthma: A chronic respiratory condition, asthma causes coughing, difficulty breathing, and wheezing. Internists can work with patients to manage their asthma symptoms through medication, avoiding triggers, and developing an asthma action plan.
- Hypertension: High blood pressure is a common situation that can sometimes lead to heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Internists can help individuals control their blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Internists can diagnose and treat various gastrointestinal disorders, like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Treatment plans for these conditions include medication, dietary changes, and other lifestyle modifications.
- Arthritis: It is a medical condition resulting in joint pain and stiffness caused by autoimmune diseases, injuries, or old age. Patients who have arthritis can benefit from medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes prescribed by their internist.
- Cardiovascular disease: Internists train to identify and treat cardiovascular illnesses like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias. They collaborate with patients to create treatment plans involving medication, lifestyle changes, and cardiac rehabilitation.
- Chronic kidney disease: It occurs due to the gradual deterioration in the functioning of the kidney, resulting in severe kidney damage. Hypertension and type 1 and 2 diabetes are the primary causes of chronic kidney disease.
Internists also have the expertise to diagnose and treat various infectious diseases, including pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Medication and lifestyle modifications are part of their treatment plan.
When should one see an internist?
When you see an internist depends on whether you have chosen an internist as your primary care physician (PCP). If yes, you will often see your internist for routine care. However, if your PCP is not an internist, you will only see them for specific problems such as extreme chest or abdominal pain. Of course, abdominal pain can happen because of a muscle strain, a stomach virus, or severe issues like acute appendicitis or cancer.
Similarly, chest pain may be because of problems in the gastrointestinal system or the lungs, acid reflux, or anxiety. But, it could also signify a heart attack, and you should call for help on 911 if you suspect it. However, if the pain is not severe, you should see an internist who can help you diagnose the problem.
What should you expect from a consultation with an internist?
On a general visit, your internist may ask about the problem and check your vital signs. They may look through your medical history and ask you about your medications before conducting a physical examination. They may also look at how you move and your posture, check your heartbeats for any irregularities, or see if you have any problems with breathing. They might look at your skin, nails, throat, mouth, nose, ears, and eyes for any signs of illness.
If they suspect any further problems, they may order a lipid or bone density screening test, blood sugar or urinalysis, or an imaging test. The internist may refer you to a specialist for severe issues. Internists also coordinate with other specialists for further treatment. They take care of a patient's overall well-being and also advise them on any lifestyle changes that may be necessary to keep them healthy.
Finding an internist near you in Astoria, New York
Finding a local internist with a good amount of experience can be challenging. However, you may easily reach out to internists in your neighborhood through Zocdoc from the convenience of your home. Go to the Zocdoc website and enter your illness or symptoms, location, date, and insurance carrier plan. Click on "find" to access a directory of internists with the best reviews.
You may also filter your search results according to the provider's gender, language, hospital affiliation, location, and whether or not a practitioner sees children. Enter your insurance details in the drop-down menu to see if an internist accepts your insurance. The displayed results will be automatically filtered to show only in-network providers.
Zocdoc also provides information on each healthcare provider's educational background, training, clinical experience, certifications, affiliations, licenses, awards, and accreditations. You can also read honest and verified reviews by past patients to assist you in making a more informed decision.
With Zocdoc, you can fix an appointment with an internal medicine doctor near you during or after office hours. You can also book an appointment on weekends or holidays at a time convenient to you and the provider. Besides a face-to-face meeting, you can also book a virtual appointment if needed.
Booking appointments with internists near you through Zocdoc is easy, free, and secure.
New York-based statistics on internists and the prevalence of chronic diseases
According to their 2022 research, Zippia estimates that over 9,304 internists are active in the United States, most of whom are in New York City and Chicago. A report by the Center for Health Workforce Studies states that there will be a need for around 800 additional internists from 2016 to 2026 to cater to the increasing demand in New York.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that heart attacks and cancer are the leading causes of death in New York. In 2017, there were 44,092 deaths in New York due to heart attacks and 34,956 deaths due to cancer. Besides heart attacks and cancer, diabetes resulted in 4,176 fatalities, and hypertension, 2,699.
According to a 2016 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality article, diabetes affects a considerable section of the state population. The condition affects 1.4 million or nearly 10% of New Yorkers. Another over 4 million people have prediabetes. Diabetes also costs the State over $13 billion yearly in lost productivity and medical expenses. All these illnesses can be treated and managed by internists, so make sure you fix an appointment and reach out to them if you need their help.
Sources
Thompson Health
Cleveland Clinic
Beaumont Health
WebMD
Zippia
Center for Health Workforce Studies
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Intercoastal Medical Group
National Council on Aging
St. George's University School of Medicine
