Taking good care of your health is essential for having the best chance at living a long and enjoyable life. That is why having regular checkups with your doctor is crucial in maintaining a healthy body.
With all of the different options of doctors and specialties, you may be wondering which one to schedule an appointment with. If you are an adult, that doctor is an internist.
An internist is an internal medicine physician who focuses on treating diseases and optimizing health in adults. Unlike a family physician, internists do not treat children; an internist is to adults as a pediatrician is to children.
If you’re an adult who is seeking to maximize your health, then you might want to consider checking in with an internist. Let’s talk about what an internist can do for you, and where you can go in the Midlands for world-class healthcare.
What Services Does an Internist Offer?
Internists can treat something as routine as the flu or fatigue to more complex diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease. Some of the key things they treat include the following:
Men’s and Women’s Health Issues
An internist’s wide range of medical knowledge and skills make them qualified to cover a broad range of men’s and women’s health issues, including:
- Checking the proper function of the lungs, heart, etc.
- Screening for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing and treatment
- Screening for viral and bacterial infections
For women, some of the services that an internist can offer are:
- Routine exams, such as a manual breast exam
- Birth control
- Prenatal screening
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) and yeast infection diagnosis and treatment
- Pregnancy tests
- Diagnosis and treatment of reproductive organ concerns, such as endometriosis and gynecologic cancers
For men, an internist can conduct the following:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE), a manual check of the prostate
- PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, a blood test to check for prostate cancer
Mental Health Issues
An internist can provide diagnosis, treatment, medication, and therapy for mental health issues, including:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Dementia
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Anxiety and stress
Dermatological Concerns
An internist can also address health issues affecting the skin, nails, and hair. Some of the most common problems associated with dermatology are acne, hair loss, fungal infections, psoriasis, warts, eczema, and skin cancer.
Nervous System Problems
This area revolves around diseases and issues that may include:
- Infections – Such as meningitis, polio, and encephalitis.
- Functional Disorders – From headaches to epilepsy.
- Structural Disorders – These mostly have to do with the brain and spinal cord (the central nervous system), such as tumors, Bell’s palsy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Degenerative Diseases – Internists can diagnose and manage diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Preventive Care and Vaccinations
Preventive care provided by an internist involves regular checkups – even when you feel healthy – in order to prevent diseases and treat conditions early. This includes the option of having medical services like your annual flu shot.
Internists in the Midlands, South Carolina
At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, we provide comprehensive primary care to keep you happy, healthy, and thriving throughout your adult years. With our skilled specialists and coordinated care, we can diagnose and treat your health problems regardless of how simple or complex they are.
To schedule an appointment, contact us today at (803) 749-1111 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to being your trusted partners in health!
