Who is an internist?
Doctors of internal medicine, also known as general internists, study, diagnose, and treat internal organ diseases such as the heart, liver, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Some common illnesses internists treat include cardiovascular conditions like coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and lung disorders. They also provide routine health check-ups and disease management services. While internists are doctors, they do not perform surgeries and specialize in treating adults, unlike family physicians who treat children and adults.
Like other medical practitioners, internists undergo an extensive educational journey of approximately ten years. This comprehensive training includes completing a bachelor's degree in science and four years of post-graduate education in medical school. Afterward, internists undertake a three-year residency program focused on general medicine. Here, they gain knowledge of the body's internal processes. To practice internal medicine, they must pass the American Board of Internal Medicine examination. Some internists also choose to further subspecialize in different areas of medicine.
If you are looking for internists near you, you can usually find them in ambulatory settings like medical offices, outpatient clinics, and dialysis centers. Other internists work in hospitals and are called "hospitalists." You may also find internists providing care in rehabilitation centers and hospice care, where they often develop strong long-term relationships with patients and help them manage chronic illnesses. Primary care practitioners work closely with other healthcare providers, including nurses and physician assistants, to provide optimum care.
Subspecialties of internal medicine
After receiving core residency training, internists undergo additional training of one to three years to subspecialize in diseases affecting a specific organ system. To practice, the corresponding specialty boards must certify the following subspecialties -
- Cardiovascular disease - This branch focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions associated with the heart and blood vessels, like heart failure, heart attack, ischemic heart disease, endocarditis, congenital heart diseases, and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat). Some internists specialize in interventional cardiology, which includes invasive methods such as catheterization to treat structural heart diseases.
- Infectious disease - It focuses on treating diseases caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Internists specializing in infectious diseases provide vaccinations or immunizations. They also treat conditions that may have environmental or occupational causes. Other doctors often consult these physicians and work in centers dedicated to diseases such as HIV or wound care clinics.
- Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolic disorders - Endocrinology specializations treat 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, pancreatic endocrine disease (diabetes), and general patients.
- Oncology - This branch of internal medicine 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 diagnose hematologic cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. Further, they provide life-long or palliative care to cancer patients.
- Pulmonary disease internists or pulmonologists - Doctors in this field 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, and practice critical care medicine, which allows them to work in intensive care units.
Common chronic conditions internists treat
An internist specializes in providing comprehensive care for adults, particularly those aged 65 and over, who commonly face chronic conditions. These diseases require ongoing management to prevent complications and maintain overall health. Internists play a crucial role in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring these conditions, ensuring the well-being of their patients. Internists frequently address the following chronic diseases -
- Arthritis - This painful condition affects the joints, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain. It worsens with age and can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Internists employ various treatment modalities to alleviate symptoms and improve joint function.
- Coronary heart disease - Arises when the blood vessels fail to supply the heart with adequate oxygenated blood. Contributing factors include high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Neglecting to address the condition can result in various complications, such as the formation of blood clots, angina, or even heart attacks. Internists manage risk factors, prescribe appropriate medications, and promote healthy lifestyles.
- Chronic kidney disease - Gradual deterioration in kidney function characterizes this condition. The primary causes of this condition are diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) and high blood pressure. Internists monitor kidney function, manage blood pressure, and collaborate with nephrologists when necessary to slow the progression of the disease.
- Diabetes - Insufficient insulin production or resistance to its effects leads to diabetes. If the insulin levels are left unmonitored, it may result in severe complications such as kidney disease, heart disease, vision loss, and more. Internists work closely with patients to manage blood sugar levels through medication, lifestyle modifications, and regular monitoring.
- Depression - Internists also address mental health issues, including mood disorders like depression. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, fatigue, difficulty making decisions, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances. Treatment options may include therapy, medication, and referral to mental health specialists.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) - This condition occurs when the heart pumps blood into narrow arteries, causing resistance to blood flow. If left untreated, it can contribute to various complications, including heart attacks and strokes. While hypertension often presents without symptoms, internists regularly monitor blood pressure and prescribe appropriate medications to manage it effectively.
- Heart failure - A chronic cardiac condition in which the heart pumps enough blood to give the body a normal supply. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, leg swelling, irregular heartbeat, nausea, and rapid weight gain. Internists collaborate with cardiologists to optimize heart function, manage symptoms, and enhance patients' quality of life.
Internists specialize in these chronic conditions and provide comprehensive care to adult patients, ensuring early detection, appropriate treatment, and ongoing management. Their expertise and holistic approach significantly contribute to maintaining the health and well-being of people as they age.
Signs that indicate a visit to an internist
Consider seeing an internist near you if you experience any of the following concerns:
- Digestive issues - Repeated digestive problems could signal an underlying disorder, ranging from minor acidity to more severe conditions like food intolerances or cancer. Seeking timely diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment options.
- Chronic pain - Persistent discomfort often points to an underlying medical condition. Internists are adept at addressing both the root cause of the illness and managing the chronic pain associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis.
- Fatigue - Constant fatigue may stem from underlying issues such as thyroid disorders, sleep disturbances, or anemia. Consulting an internist can help identify the underlying cause, especially if fatigue affects your daily functioning.
- Breathing difficulties - Respiratory issues like asthma or pneumonia can manifest as difficulty breathing along with other symptoms. Internists are skilled in conducting comprehensive evaluations and tests to diagnose and manage such conditions effectively.
Some important things to consider before choosing an internist for you
Here are a few important factors to keep in mind when selecting the right internist for your medical needs:
- Insurance coverage - Choosing an internist who accepts your insurance plan is essential to optimize coverage and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
- Provider's experience and expertise - Consider the internist's experience with your specific health concerns. Providers with ample experience tend to offer better treatment and diagnostic accuracy.
- Provider's credentials - Board certification and related credentials are critical in selecting an internist, indicating the doctor's skills, training, and practical experience necessary for internal medicine practice.
- Telehealth options - Inquire about the availability of telehealth services, which enable remote diagnosis and treatment using technology like video calls and messaging. While telehealth does not replace in-person visits entirely, it can be beneficial for managing specific health conditions and reducing the need for frequent office visits.
Differences between internal medicine & family medicine
Family medicine is all about caring for patients of all ages, from kids to adults. When you see a family physician, you're getting care from someone trained to handle a wide range of health issues that affect people at every stage of life, from infants to seniors.
Internal medicine, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the health needs of adults. Just like pediatricians specialize in caring for children, internists or internal medicine doctors specialize in treating adults.
Some family doctors may choose to specialize in certain fields, but most focus on general outpatient care. This includes diagnosing and managing acute illnesses, treating chronic conditions, and providing preventive care.
Internal medicine doctors also receive training in general medical and preventive care, but their education centers on adult patients. In addition to general care, they gain extensive training in specialty areas like psychiatry, dermatology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, palliative medicine, sleep medicine, infectious diseases, and more. This prepares them to offer well-rounded care tailored to adults at every life stage.
While family doctors primarily focus on outpatient care and may refer patients to specialists for hospital treatment, internists are specially trained to handle both inpatient and outpatient needs, giving them expertise in hospital-based care as well.
Find top-rated internists near you in Portland, Oregon
Internists are experts in providing comprehensive care and have in-depth knowledge of various illnesses, allowing them to order tests and offer preventive care services. Opting for an internist as your primary care provider provides the advantage of having a dedicated professional to manage your chronic conditions effectively. They can also guide you in seeking appropriate care from specialized experts when advanced treatment is required.
Finding an experienced internist in your area can be quite a challenging task. However, platforms like Zocdoc give users a straightforward way of finding the best healthcare providers without the hassles of visiting a hospital or clinical facility.
To book an in-person or video consultation with an internist, simply visit the Zocdoc website and enter your condition or symptoms, location, insurance carrier, and the date you'd like to schedule an appointment. Select "find" to view a list of top-rated internists, which you can filter according to gender, time of day, hospital affiliation, distance, and whether they treat children.
Further, if you want a provider that accepts your insurance, enter your insurance carrier and plan menu at the top of the page. You can add medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your Zocdoc account. However, when searching for and booking an appointment, you can only use one insurance plan at a time. If you have more than one plan, you can mention your secondary insurance and plan details in the notes section for the provider during the final step of booking.
If your provider uses Zocdoc’s Intake forms, you’ll have the option to add secondary insurance while filling out the forms online. For more questions about insurance, check out Zocdoc’s insurance page.
It should automatically filter your search results by the available internal medicine doctors in Portland, Oregon.
To help you make an informed decision, Zocdoc provides each specialist's educational background, including their medical training, certifications, licensures, awards, and accreditations. Moreover, you can also read through honest and verified patient reviews to solidify your choice for the best internist near you.
All bookings on Zocdoc are simple, free, and secure!
Statistics on internist workforce and chronic diseases in Oregon
Based on a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study, Oregon employs nearly 270 general internists (as of May 2019), a significantly lower number compared to neighboring states such as California and Nevada.
As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease was Oregon's second primary cause of death, accounting for over 6,900 fatalities in 2017. Stroke and diabetes ranked fifth and seventh position, respectively. In 2015, the Oregon Health Authority reported that diabetes had increased by 124% over the past 20 years. It was more common in men (9.2%) than women (7.8%).
According to an American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2021 report, almost 10.8% of the Oregon adult population, or 364,447 people, have diabetes, with over 20,000 persons diagnosed yearly. Furthermore, about 93,000 Oregon individuals are unaware that they have diabetes. Prediabetes affects nearly one million people in Oregon, accounting for 33.5% of adults. Diabetes also has 2.3 times the medical expenses of individuals who do not have it, costing people more than $4 billion per year.
Data compiled by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in 2013 reported that the incidence rate of high blood pressure in Oregon adults with diabetes was 70.9 per 100. High blood pressure was more likely to be detected in the age group of 18-64. Diabetes was also associated with elevated cholesterol, with an overall incidence rate of 60.2. Females had a higher prevalence of elevated cholesterol (64.1%) than males (56.5).
Sources
WebMD
American College of Physicians[1]
American College of Physicians[2]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
FREIDA
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]
National Council on Aging
Healthgrades
Millenium Medical Care
Matthews Internal Medicine
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