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On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for an Internist in Silver Spring, book an appointment, and see the Internist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Internists in Silver Spring who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Silver Spring Internist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Internists in Silver Spring and book appointments instantly. You can search for Silver Spring Internists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Silver Spring Internists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Internists in Silver Spring who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Silver Spring Internists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Internists in Silver Spring who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Internists in Silver Spring on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Internists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Internists in Silver Spring who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Internist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Internists in Silver Spring. Many Internists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Internists or internal medicine doctors are healthcare providers for adults who diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases related to the internal organs and systems. However, their role is not limited to internal medicine—they may also treat other common conditions, such as chronic allergies or sinus infections, and provide preventative care, such as health screenings, annual exams, and immunizations.
Internists do not offer pediatric care to children and adolescents. Although they cater to all individuals above 18 years, the older population with multiple chronic diseases requiring complex care and continuous management consult them more. The ongoing care allows them to build long-term relationships with their patients. Patients mistakenly believe that internists and general practitioners are the same.
When choosing a primary care provider, people often need clarification on internists and general practitioners as their roles overlap. However, the key differences are the age groups they treat and their knowledge base.
General practitioners or family physicians diagnose and treat various medical issues and offer preventative care and health education across all age groups. Compared to this, internists have in-depth knowledge about chronic health problems and only treat adults.
Individuals who have completed a four-year undergraduate program, preferably in science with subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics, can apply to medical schools.
During medical school, they study various subjects such as anatomy, pathology, pharmacology, psychology, medical ethics, and more. They must manage multiple patients in hospitals and clinics during the final two years of their medical school while being supervised by senior doctors. They work in various medical specialties in rotations, including internal medicine.
After getting a medical degree, those who want to become internists complete a three-year residency program in internal medicine. In this, they serve adult patients in hospital and outpatient settings. Then, they secure their license and become board-certified by passing the required examinations.
Following their certifications, internists can work in various settings, such as hospitals and private practice. General internists can also focus on their training in internal medicine or choose to subspecialize in a particular area of internal medicine.
Subspecialization requires an internist to study for one to three additional years. The American Board of Internal Medicine authenticates the following sub-specialties, with some of them in conjunction with other specialty boards.
Internists have two key roles: first, diagnosing symptoms and treating most acute and chronic health conditions, and second, providing preventive healthcare services. They may also make referrals to different specialists if required. Their expertise in various internal organs and systems allows them to treat the following common adult health issues:
Other than being the first point of contact for many health issues, an internist can regularly assess your overall health with preventive services. They can administer adult vaccines to prevent health conditions like hepatitis A & B, HPV, and shingles.
Internists perform routine checkups, diagnostic procedures, and health diagnostic tests such as blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, cancer screenings, and hormone tests. It helps to identify potential risks and offer guidance and counseling to prevent complications. They can also perform minor non-surgical procedures.
When you visit an internist near you for the first time, what happens will depend on your medical issue or illness. Generally, the internist will check your vital signs and ask about your symptoms. They will want to know about your and your family's medical background, as this could affect your health if the problem is genetic.
Ensure you carry a list of current medications and any scans or reports that may be relevant. Inform the doctor about any recent surgery or injuries you have had. They will want to know about your exercise routine and whether you have any habits such as smoking.
The doctor performs a physical examination where they will look at your posture, general appearance, and how you stand, walk, and complete tasks. They will listen for any abnormalities in the heart, such as irregular heartbeat, heart murmur, or any unusual sounds. The internist will check your nails, skin, throat, mouth, eyes, ears, and nose for similar abnormalities.
The doctor will check for shortness of breath, wheezing, or other breathing problems. Internists also perform wellness checks and may order bone density tests, lipid panel tests, or other screenings. Again, this will largely depend on your illness or problem. For example, they could order a complex imaging test or a simple urinalysis.
The doctor will then prescribe medication or advise lifestyle changes to improve your health. You may have to revisit the internist for them to monitor your progress or analyze the tests and reports ordered. If they feel you will benefit from the care of another specialist, they will make an appropriate referral.
That's not all – if the internist refers you to another specialist, they will constantly consult with these specialists and coordinate your care. They will check for medication interactions and advise you on avoiding future health problems. Furthermore, internists can also check for mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Here's how internists can help control diabetes and prevent heart failure:
Diabetes
Diabetes increases the risk of various complications in the body. It can cause health issues like foot disorders, heart problems, and hearing loss. Internists can help you understand the diabetic risk factors, monitor these complications, and prevent their occurrence.
Internists can help track your physical, mental, and emotional health. They can monitor your diabetes symptoms and check if it affects other body parts. They ensure you stay healthy and active despite your chronic condition. You need to consult the internist if you feel anything unusual with your body, and they can help you with proper care.
Internists can assist you in checking and managing your blood sugar levels. They can help you take supplemented insulin when required. They can even guide you on how to self-check your blood sugar levels and explain the process of using an automatic insulin pump when needed. It can help you lead an active and independent life.
Eating nutrient-rich foods is essential to manage diabetes effectively. Internists can help you prepare a healthy diet and monitor your portion size. They may advise you to include more fruits, green veggies, and whole grains and instruct you to avoid processed foods and soda. Internists can help you maintain a balance in your eating habits. It will help you manage your diabetes symptoms and lead a better, disease-free lifestyle.
Heart failure
Patients suffering from heart conditions are generally prescribed a combination of medicines to suppress the symptoms and enable proper heart functioning. Managing these medications is very important as it helps prevent severe heart complications. Internists can help you take the necessary steps to address the side effects of some medicines and help you lead an active lifestyle.
Obesity or overweightness is the leading cause of heart problems. Internists can recommend effective ways to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. They can create a lifestyle plan and recommend exercises to reduce weight and keep a healthy heart.
Your body needs proper nutrition to enhance the positive benefits of medicines. Internists can design a specific meal plan that benefits the heart and the body. An ideal heart-healthy diet should include:
Consider these essential tips to ensure you find the best internist near you.
Ask for referrals
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.
Think about gender
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 in treating patients of your gender. Feeling at ease with your internist near you is essential for open communication and effective treatment.
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.
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.
Whether you are struggling with an allergy, acute illness, or multiple severe health issues, an internist can provide comprehensive care and bring you back to health. You can also visit them for preventive health screenings and routine checkups.
If you are looking for internists near you, Zocdoc can help you! Go to the Zocdoc website and type the specialty—internist, location—in this case—Silver Spring, Maryland, your preferred date of consultation, and, if applicable, your insurance carrier and plan. When you click the' Find' button, you will obtain a long list of skilled providers based on your search entries.
Before exploring potential experts, you can use filters to narrow your search based on the specific reason for the appointment from the list of a-z conditions and services. You can look for internists available at your preferred time—before 10 am, noon, afternoon, or even after 5 pm. The gender and language of the expert and hospital affiliations are other helpful filters you can apply.
When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll typically be asked to provide your insurance details or confirm that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers require insurance information upfront to secure the appointment. However, if you prefer not to share your insurance or plan to pay without using it, you can find another provider on Zocdoc that accommodates your preference. For more queries, you can visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
In case of emergencies or traveling difficulties, you can have an online consultation and look for internists in the video visits section. Every internist has a dedicated profile page that details their education, board certifications, awards, accreditations, expertise, experience, and office location. You can understand more about the expert through verified patient ratings and reviews.
After selecting the best internist near you, fill in the details prompted on the screen and book your appointment. Booking appointments on Zocdoc is easy, secure, and 100% free!
According to the report 'Mortality in the United States, 2020' by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), a unit of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 696,962 deaths are due to heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in America. Cancer takes the second position with almost 602,350 deaths, followed by diabetes at number eight, with around 102,188 deaths attributed to the disease.
America's Health Rankings analysis of 2020 states that around 7.3% of adults in Maryland reported having some form of a heart condition such as heart attack, coronary heart disease, or stroke. Approximately 19.2% of the affected people were aged 65 years and older, around 7.5% were between 45 and 64, and nearly 1.7% were in the 18-44 age group.
A different America's Health Rankings 2020 analysis found that approximately 10.2% of Maryland adult residents reported having diabetes. These numbers do not incorporate prediabetes and gestational diabetes. Compared to the data of the past few years, the number of people affected by diabetes has been on a constant rise.
The numbers show that diabetes has a nearly equal effect on men (about 10.4%) and women (about 9.9%). When analyzing the disease prevalence amongst age groups, individuals 65 and older remain the most affected—around 21.1% of the total cases, followed by about 12.7% of people aged 45-64.
American College of Physicians
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Briones Medical Weight Loss Center
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.