Who is an internist?
An internist is a healthcare practitioner specializing in internal medicine dedicated to preventing and treating medical conditions affecting the internal organs and systems in adults aged 18 and older. They mainly care for the older age group, who simultaneously suffer from multiple chronic diseases. They do not offer pediatric care to children and adolescents. Apart from internal conditions, they also treat minor injuries, infections, and acute and chronic illnesses.
Internists also provide preventative healthcare services, including annual physical exams, vaccinations, health screenings, and counseling related to lifestyle, diet, and contraception. They work in various healthcare settings, including private offices, clinics, hospitals, intensive care units, and hospice care centers. Many American adults choose internists as their primary care providers and rely on them for any health concerns.
What are the education, training, and specialties of internists?
Internists begin their education with a four-year undergraduate degree in relevant subjects such as biology or chemistry. They then pass the required exams to enter medical school and train for another four years. After medical school, they complete a three-year general internal medicine residency where they gain more practical experience. They also pass two exams — medical licensing and the American Board of Internal Medicine certification.
After that, some general internists start their practice, while others choose to subspecialize further with fellowships of up to three years. The American Board of Internal Medicine approves the following subspecialties that deal with different internal diseases:
- Cardiovascular disease — covers heart and blood vessel disorders, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiac arrest, and stroke,
- Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism — includes endocrine system diseases like diabetes, thyroid disease, and metabolic disorders.
- Gastroenterology — covers digestive disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and hiatal hernia.
- Hematology— treats blood disorders like anemia, hemophilia, blood clots, and leukemia.
- Infectious diseases—include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, such as HIV/AIDS, influenza, measles, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections.
- Nephrology—focuses on kidney diseases like chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.
- Oncology—covers all types of cancer, such as lungs, breast, prostate, and colorectum.
- Pulmonary diseases include lung and respiratory disorders, such as asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic bronchitis.
- Rheumatology—covers disorders of joints and musculoskeletal systems, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout.
A few more subspecialties, such as adolescent medicine, geriatric medicine, sleep medicine, sports medicine, and critical care medicine, are the American Board of Internal Medicine authenticated in collaboration with other specialty boards. Additional training programs include women's health.
Family physician vs. internist
Family medicine and internal medicine are two separate medical specialties that often lead to confusion among patients. Both are vital parts of primary care and offer different methods of delivering patient care.
Family medicine, also called family practice, focuses on delivering all-encompassing and ongoing care to patients across all age groups, from newborns to seniors. Family doctors, often known as primary care physicians, handle a range of health concerns, including both short-term and long-term conditions, while also offering preventive care and general health education.
Family physicians diagnose and treat a wide range of medical issues that affect different body systems. They look beyond just physical health, considering emotional, environmental, and social factors that may impact a patient's overall wellness. Family doctors manage both routine and complex health concerns and usually serve as the first contact for individuals seeking medical help. Most family medicine physicians work in outpatient clinics, though some also care for patients during hospital stays.
In addition, family medicine physicians play a key role in coordinating care for individuals dealing with multiple or complicated health conditions. They help ensure patients receive the right care from specialists when necessary. Family doctors also deliver preventive care like vaccines, regular health screenings, and advice on lifestyle choices to support long-term health and reduce future risks.
Internal medicine, sometimes referred to as general medicine, centers on preventing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses in adults. Internal medicine physicians, or internists, specialize in managing complex diseases, especially chronic conditions that involve multiple organ systems.
Internists typically don't treat pregnant women, children, or infants, as these groups fall outside their specialty. However, some may choose to concentrate on geriatric care, addressing the needs of older adults with age-related or multiple health concerns.
When choosing a primary care physician, make sure to weigh the distinct qualities of family medicine and internal medicine to find the specialty that best fits your healthcare needs.
How can an internal medicine doctor assist in managing diabetes?
An internal medicine doctor can play a crucial role in supporting you in effectively managing diabetes for a healthier and more fulfilling life. Here are a few ways in which they can assist you:
- Personalized Dietary Guidance: Diabetes disrupts insulin production and utilization, necessitating careful dietary management. An internist will assess your unique eating habits to create a customized diet plan. They might also inquire about your specific food preferences, which can help curate a diet plan you can easily adhere to.
- Blood Sugar Monitoring: Your internist will guide you in monitoring and managing your daily blood sugar levels. This vigilance typically includes using a lancet to obtain small blood samples throughout the day. You can determine the appropriate insulin dosage by consistently tracking these levels. Moreover, your internist will offer advice on preventing unhealthy blood sugar spikes.
- Preventing Complications: Diabetes can result in various complications, including cardiovascular issues, hearing problems, and foot ailments. Your internist will educate you about these potential risks and closely monitor the progression of your condition. Early identification of complications allows for timely intervention and effective management.
- Comprehensive Health Assessment: Internists take a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing not only your diabetes but also your overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Regular physical examinations ensure that diabetes does not adversely affect other aspects of your health. They also promote well-being by recommending lifestyle adjustments and encouraging healthier habits, such as quitting alcohol if needed.
Benefits of effective diabetes management and self-care
Maintaining effective self-care and managing diabetes is essential to immediate well-being and long-term health. When you keep your blood sugar levels close to normal, you'll likely experience increased energy, reduced fatigue, diminished thirst, and less frequent urination. This normalcy enhances your daily life, speeds healing, and lowers the risk of skin and urinary tract infections.
Furthermore, tightly controlled blood sugar levels reduce the chances of diabetes-related health complications. Once your blood sugar is under control, it ultimately leads to a lower risk of stroke or heart attack, protection against eye problems that can lead to vision impairment, prevention of nerve damage, and maintenance of oral health to avoid issues that might affect your kidneys. Proactive self-care and vigilant diabetes management deliver immediate benefits while protecting against future health concerns.
When should you visit an internist?
Most people visit an internist as their initial point of contact with health care instead of primary care physicians. Hence, internists become their source of primary care for their health conditions. Accordingly, you can visit them if you experience the following:
- Chest pain: Although heart attacks are the first thing that comes to mind when talking about chest pain, it is not necessarily always the case. Chest pain can occur due to issues like acid reflux, anxiety, or a problem in the lungs. However, you must always contact 911 if you experience heart attack symptoms.
- Abdominal pain: People can experience abdominal pain due to various causes, ranging from minor issues like a stomach virus or muscle strain to more severe conditions such as cancer or appendicitis. Visiting an emergency care center is crucial if your abdomen is tender to the touch. However, you can consult an internist if you're experiencing acute pain. They can identify the underlying cause of abdominal pain and determine if it occurs due to gastrointestinal problems or other medical conditions.
- Abnormal weight gain or loss: Like primary care physicians, internists can also provide lifestyle recommendations to help maintain your weight and health. Abnormal weight gain or loss can occur due to various reasons, such as eating disorders or other underlying medical conditions. Accordingly, internists can help provide treatment plans with exercise regimes, controlled diet plans, and medications.
- Hypertension: Commonly known as high blood pressure, it can occur due to a high-sodium diet, lack of physical activity, stress, or pain. It can also become a chronic condition. If not treated in due time, it can damage the kidneys, brain, and heart. As a result, internists create treatment plans that include medications and lifestyle changes to minimize the chances of heart attacks, stroke, and other health complications.
- Respiratory conditions: Internists can also help those who experience lung problems, such as asthma, infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. They can prescribe inhalers or bronchodilators to help asthma patients manage their symptoms.
What should you expect during an internist appointment, and how should you prepare?
If you have never consulted an internist near you before or are meeting up with a new one, preparing beforehand can help you make the most of your appointment. Before the consultation, gather all your medical records—medical history, diagnostic test reports, surgery reports, past and current treatments, medications, and supplements.
It would also help to know your family's medical history. Keep track of other home remedies, lifestyle, and diet changes you have tried for your health conditions. Also, have notes on your medical condition, its symptoms, and any related queries you have for your internist.
The nature of the appointment will vary depending on the reason for your visit—whether for treatment of an injury, acute illness, chronic disease, or for preventive care like annual exams. However, generally, you can expect the following course of action. The internist will start by reviewing your medical records and ask you various questions to understand your health condition and lifestyle behaviors.
They will conduct a complete body physical exam to check for vital signs such as respiration, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature. Your internist will use various tools and techniques to assess different body parts and systems, such as your heart, lungs, head and neck, abdomen, and skin.
During male and female physical exams, they will check sexual and reproductive health. Remember that depending on the reason for your visit, your internist may perform all or a few of these exams.
If the internist feels the need, they may order lab tests and health screenings for further assessment. After a complete analysis, they will plan the treatment goals with you. Then, they will chart out a treatment plan that can be a combination of medications, lifestyle and diet changes, regular screenings, surgeries, therapies, or other treatments. Before you leave, they may schedule follow-up visits or refer you to other specialists.
Where can you find experienced internists near you in Pittsburgh, PA?
An internist is ideal for adults seeking a primary healthcare provider capable of addressing a wide range of medical issues. They can diagnose and manage short-term and long-term illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions. Furthermore, they also provide preventive care services, such as annual exams and screenings, necessary for the early detection of problems and prevention of future ones.
On Zocdoc, you can quickly find the best internists in any part of the US. If you are a resident of Pittsburgh, PA, enter this location in the search box, along with the specialty, availability, and insurance details. Make sure to update the insurance details in your Zocdoc account. You can also choose your insurance plan from the filters to find providers that accept your insurance. Alternatively, you can take a picture of your insurance card and upload it if you're searching from a smartphone or tablet. Check out Zocdoc's insurance FAQs to learn more. When you click 'Find,' you should receive a comprehensive list of in-network internists in and around your area.
Using Zocdoc filters, you can further simplify your search results. The filters include visit reason, travel distance, consultation time, gender, language, and hospital affiliations of the expert. Many Zocdoc experts also offer online consultations. So, if you want to consult an internal medicine doctor near you online, you can choose an expert from the video visits section.
Zocdoc believes in maintaining patient-expert transparency. Hence, every expert has a profile page with information about their practice names, education and training, board certifications, publications, and awards. You can read verified patient reviews to understand the internist's bedside manners, wait time, and professionalism.
Whenever you choose an internist near you, you can book your appointment with them by filling out a short questionnaire prompted on the screen. Booking with Zocdoc is easy, secure, and 100% free!
Chronic disease statistics in Pittsburgh, PA
According to the 2022 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, heart disease was the leading death cause in Pennsylvania. Among other chronic diseases, cancer ranked second, stroke fifth, followed by chronic lower respiratory diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and kidney disease.
Another 2022 report on heart disease mortality by state released by the CDC revealed that heart disease was responsible for about 173.4 deaths per 100,000 population, meaning nearly 32,522 total deaths in Pennsylvania. The stroke mortality in Pennsylvania was about 36.6 deaths per 100,000 population, which amounted to around 6,870 total stroke-related deaths.
America's Health Rankings analyzed the trend of diabetes in Pennsylvania. Based on their report, about 11.5% of adults in the state reported having diabetes (excluding prediabetes and gestational diabetes) in 2022. With about 11.6% of males and 11.3% of females having diabetes, both genders were nearly equally affected. Even though the disease was most prevalent among 65+ (about 20.5% cases), the other two age groups were also involved—around 13.7% of patients were aged 45-64, and about 4.4% were 18-44 years old.
According to another America's Health Rankings report, around 3.8% of Pennsylvania adults had chronic kidney disease in 2022. These figures exclude kidney stones, bladder infections, and incontinence. The condition's prevalence was higher among women (4.5%) than men (3.1%). Other reports on chronic lower respiratory diseases revealed that around 10.1% of adults had asthma, while approximately 7.5% had COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in 2022 in Pennsylvania.
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America's Health Rankings[4]
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