Who is an internist?
Internal medicine is the medical branch that prevents and treats irregularities in internal organs - lungs, heart, brain, spinal column, nerves, liver, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, urinary tract, muscles, and joints. Internists are healthcare professionals trained in internal medicine who primarily focus on adult health issues. They treat various diseases ranging from chronic ailments to acute conditions requiring prolonged treatment or immediate attention.
While it is common to confuse internists with family practice doctors, as both serve as primary care physicians, there's a distinction between the two specialists. Family doctors care for patients of all age groups, from infants to senior citizens; thus, their expertise has a broader spectrum. They also address the gynecological issues of female patients.
On the other hand, internists are more focused on the internal organ malfunctions of adults. As a result, they handle various chronic ailments, like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, etc. These conditions are aggravated by age; hence, internists’ paths often cross with geriatric experts, as many senior citizens continue to see their preferred internists in their old age.
Education and training of internists
The training program to become an internist starts with attending a medical school. Most medical schools mandate students to complete their undergraduate degree before enrolling, but some may accept a three-year college program. Their four-year medical degree involves theoretical study and rotations in medical practices and hospitals. Following this, aspiring internists must undergo a general internal medicine residency program that usually lasts at least three years and can extend for specializations that include surgery.
Finally, all doctors must pass a licensing examination administered by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education during the first year of their residency. The fellowship program for specialization can take up to three years. Some may further their education by opting for a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or a research fellowship.
Internal medicine subspecialties
After receiving core residency training, internists undergo additional training to acquire specialization in a specific field. They must be certified by the corresponding specialty boards to practice the following internal medicine subspecialties.
- Cardiovascular disease: It is a health condition involving disorders of the heart and blood vessels, which falls within the scope of internal medicine for diagnosis and treatment. Some common heart diseases include heart failure, heart attack, ischemic heart disease, endocarditis, congenital heart diseases, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Some internists specialize in interventional cardiology, including invasive methods such as catheterization to treat structural heart diseases.
- Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolic disorders: Endocrinology involves treating the endocrine system, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, and thyroid gland. These internists are part of a multi-specialty group that treats patients with reproductive disorders, metabolic conditions that affect the bones, and pancreatic endocrine disease (diabetes).
- Oncology: Medical oncology involves diagnosing or identifying patients at high risk of cancers or benign and malignant neoplasms. Internists practicing oncology also train in hematology (the study of blood disorders), which helps them diagnose patients with hematologic cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Further, they provide life-long or palliative care to cancer patients.
- Pulmonary disease: Specialists who treat pulmonary diseases are called ‘pulmonologists.’ They specialize in structural, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic disorders of the lungs, including asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), lung cancer, emphysema, and occupational lung diseases. Pulmonologists may also treat breathing-related sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea. Additionally, pulmonologists practice critical care medicine, which allows them to work in intensive care units.
When should you see an internist?
If your internist is your primary care physician, you may visit them for routine checks, chronic disease management, sudden injuries, etc. Alternatively, you may still see an internist near you for some general issues, and they can help with -
- Abdominal pain: Various reasons can trigger abdominal pain. If the pain is acute or your abdomen is tender to the touch, you should immediately head to the nearest emergency room. However, an internist could be your go-to medical help for less severe pain resulting from something minor, such as a stomach virus or a muscle strain, or something more critical, such as acute appendicitis or several types of cancer. An internist has the expertise to make an initial diagnosis and either chalk out a treatment plan or recommend a specialist for further investigation.
- Chest pain: Chest pains often make one press the panic button. Unless you are experiencing acute symptoms of cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction (heart attack), it's advisable to consult an internist. The doctor can determine whether it is a lung or a gastrointestinal problem, such as acid reflux.
- Establishing continuous care: Internists see you throughout the journey from diagnosis to recovery. For example, suppose you have high blood sugar that leads to diabetes. In that case, your internist will guide you through the process, starting with medical tests, establishing a remedial plan, periodic monitoring, and controlling the disease.
- Addressing complications between checkups: This aspect is essential for people suffering from chronic ailments that can rapidly worsen, like heart disease. If you are under regular guidance, your internist will be aware of your medical history and advise suitable actions in case of a sudden change in your condition.
Tips to prepare for your internist appointment
Feeling overwhelmed about an upcoming appointment with an internist is normal, especially if it is your first visit. However, being well-prepared can greatly reduce any anxiety or concerns you may be experiencing. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your appointment with an internist doctor near you:
Note down your health concerns
It is important to compile a list of all your health concerns to ensure you do not overlook any medical problems. This data should include:
- all your current symptoms and issues, and when did they start
- any questions you have regarding your health
Keeping this information handy will help you stay organized and assist your internist in understanding your medical history better. Remember to update this information regularly with any changes or new concerns.
Prepare an overview of your medical journey
To provide a comprehensive overview of your health history, consider compiling a chronological summary of your health issues, which should include:
- your medical history
- details of any past surgeries
- any alternative treatments or preventive measures you have tried
This information will enable you and your internist to comprehend your medical journey better, leading to more personalized and effective care.
Make a list of medications and supplements
Make a comprehensive list of all the medications and supplements you are currently taking, including:
- prescriptions from your doctor
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins and supplements
Additionally, note down any medications or supplements that have caused adverse reactions or side effects in the past. This information will be valuable for your internist in making informed decisions about your treatment plan.
Update emergency contact information
Ensure your medical file contains emergency contact information, including:
- your doctor's name and contact number
- after-hours contact information for urgent medical assistance
- physical locations where the internist can reach your physician in an emergency
Having this information readily available can be crucial during unexpected medical situations or if your internist needs to consult with your physician.
Gather your family’s medical history
Collect information about your family's medical history by asking your siblings or parents about:
- any chronic diseases or conditions they have been diagnosed with
- any hereditary health concerns
- facing any prevalent health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, or mental health disorders
This information can be valuable in understanding potential genetic predispositions and aid in early detection and prevention strategies.
Following these tips and preparing adequately for your appointment can ensure a more productive and beneficial visit with your internist. Remember, being proactive about your health is the first step towards optimal wellness.
Benefits of seeing an internal medicine doctor
Visiting an internist doctor near you can help you understand the cause of your current symptoms, your risk for other conditions, and how to prevent them by implementing the right lifestyle changes. Seeing an internist can ensure-
- Long-term care with a trusted physician: Internists often act as primary care physicians and are generally a patient's first point of contact. They aim to offer accessible primary as well as specialty care. Patients can continue with the same internist if they so choose. Continuing care with the same provider builds a long-term partnership, which is ideal for the early detection of diseases.
- Preventive medical care services: Internists provide annual adult checkups and services like vaccinations, screenings, and immunizations. They also advise patients on how they can make healthier lifestyle choices.
Six tips for choosing an internist near you
Consider these essential tips to ensure you find the best internist for your needs.
Start by compiling a list of potential internists. Contact trusted sources like family, friends, or other healthcare providers for recommendations. Once you have a shortlist, call each office to schedule a consultation. Meeting the doctor can help you assess whether they are the right fit for your healthcare needs.
- Verify credentials and authenticity
Board certification is an important factor when choosing an internist. It confirms that the doctor has undergone the necessary training and possesses the expertise to treat patients in internal medicine. Additionally, check their history for malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.
Comfort is key when discussing personal health issues. You might prefer an internist of your gender, especially if your condition requires specialized care, like heart health for women. Ask about the doctor’s recent training and experience treating patients of your gender. Feeling at ease with your internist is paramount for effective treatment.
Check insurance coverage
Your insurance plan may influence your choice of internist. To minimize costs, look for doctors who participate in your plan. However, don’t overlook factors like credentials and experience when choosing a doctor. If your insurance doesn’t cover the services, inquire about other payment options. Balancing affordability with quality care will help you find the best internist near you.
Consider experience
Experience is critical when it comes to managing your health. An experienced internist is likely to achieve successful outcomes, especially if you have a specific condition. During your consultation, ask how many patients they’ve treated with your condition or how often they’ve performed a particular procedure.
- Explore telehealth options
Many internists now offer telehealth services, allowing patients to connect via video calls, emails, or other technologies. Telehealth is especially useful for minor issues, routine follow-ups, or managing chronic conditions from home. Check if the internist provides telehealth services and confirm that your insurance covers them.
How to find experienced internists near you in Las Vegas, NV?
Internists generally have a long-term association with their patients. However, if you are new to a city or have lost touch with your physician, you may want to consult an internal medicine doctor for a health concern. Moreover, if you have any chronic condition, it can deteriorate unless you receive medical supervision. Therefore, finding a trustworthy internist is essential. With Zocdoc, you can find some of the best internists in Las Vegas, Nevada, in just a few clicks.
Go to the Zocdoc website and enter the specialty, location, and insurance policy. Zocdoc’s health insurance guide can also help you understand various insurance terminologies. The filter results will present a list of the top-rated internal medicine doctors near you who match your criteria. You can also filter internists near you based on their gender, the languages they speak, hospital affiliations, etc.
If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card. Zocdoc will scan the image to identify your likely plan. However, this feature is not available for vision or dental insurance. If you encounter any issues uploading your card or have insurance-related concerns, visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
Zocdoc maintains detailed profiles of each physician, including their educational qualifications, professional accreditations, licensures, awards, experience, and critical areas of expertise.
Furthermore, each profile has verified client testimonials that give you insight into the internist's specialization and hands-on experience. Once decided, you can proceed with our seamless appointment scheduling process to book an in-person or virtual consultation with an internist doctor near you.
All bookings through Zocdoc are easy, secure, and free!
Internal medicine statistics for Nevada and the US
According to the Physician Workforce in Nevada, 2018 edition published by the Nevada Health Workforce Research Center, there were more than 880 internal medicine generalists and around 324 subspecialists in Nevada, with Southern Nevada accounting for approximately 656 and 243, respectively.
According to the American Diabetes Association 2021 report on The Burden of Diabetes in Nevada, nearly 254,570 people in Nevada had diabetes, with about 21,422 new cases diagnosed yearly. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, about 391 people in Nevada died from hypertension in 2021, and heart diseases rank number one in mortality causes in the state.
Another 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study shows that Norovirus was the leading cause of foodborne diseases, which causes nearly 900 deaths annually in the United States. Over 100,000 people are hospitalized from this gastrointestinal disorder that causes vomiting and diarrhea. As per a 2022 report from the National Library of Medicine, around 18.1% to 27.8% of the US population suffers from GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
Sources
WebMD
Raleigh Medical Group
MedicalNewsToday
European Federation of Internal Medicine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
National Library of Medicine
American College of Physicians[1]
American College of Physicians[2]
American College of Physicians[3]
American College of Physicians[4]
American College of Physicians[5]
American College of Physicians[6]
Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care
Intercoastal Medical Group
Duke Health
Indus Medical Associates
Healthgrades
