Who is an internist?
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.
What is the difference between internists and general practitioners?
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.
What kind of education and training do internists receive?
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.
What are the subspecialties 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.
- Cardiovascular disease or conditions of the heart and blood vessels
- Endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism (endocrine system and metabolic disorders)
- Gastroenterology (digestive system disorders)
- Hematology (blood disorders)
- Infectious diseases (disorders caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites)
- Nephrology (kidney diseases)
- Oncology (cancer)
- Pulmonary disease (group of diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system)
- Rheumatology (disorders of joints, musculoskeletal and immune system)
- Adolescent medicine (care of patients in their adolescence and young adulthood)
- Allergy and immunology (immune system disorders)
- Critical care medicine (care for seriously ill patients dealing with life-threatening disorders)
- Geriatric medicine (care for elderly patients)
- Hospice and palliative medicine (care for patients with serious illnesses)
- Neurocritical care (treatment for life-threatening diseases of the nervous system)
- Sleep medicine (sleep disturbances and disorders)
- Sports medicine (treatment of sports and exercise injuries)
What conditions can an internist treat?
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:
- Heart diseases, including heart failure, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and high cholesterol
- Endocrine disorders such as thyroid issues and diabetes
- Digestive disorders such as ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), and infectious diarrhea
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- Infectious diseases like hepatitis, tuberculosis, and HIV
- Kidney diseases such as kidney failure and chronic kidney disease
- Joint and bone disorders like arthritis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer
- Immunologic disorders such as allergies and asthma
- Genital or reproductive system health issues such as erectile dysfunction, urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence
- Acute conditions such as flu, common cold, bronchitis, strep throat, and pneumonia
- Sports medicine
- Neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and migraines
- Other conditions like sinus infections, skin disorders, anxiety, and depression
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.
What should one expect during the first visit to an internist?
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.
How can internists help manage diabetes and heart failure?
Here's how internists can help control diabetes and prevent heart failure:
Diabetes
- Monitor potential complications
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.
- Manage blood sugar levels
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.
- Prepare an appropriate diet plan
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:
- More fruits and green vegetables.
- Low-fat dairy products.
- Lean proteins.
- Negligible amounts of sodium.
Six tips for choosing an internist
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.
How can you find top internists in Silver Spring, Maryland?
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!
Chronic disease statistics in Maryland
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.
Sources
WebMD
Healthline Media
Doctorly.org
American College of Physicians
Intercoastal Medical Group
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
United Health Foundation
Dr. Briones Medical Weight Loss Center
Johnson Memorial Health
Healthgrades
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