The word Internal medicine is originated from the German word “Innere medizing”, which means laboratory studies (the study of disease and bacteria) and incorporation of these studies into the care and treatment of adults.
It is a medical specialty focused on providing diagnosis and treatment of ill adults and care to healthy adults. The medical professionals who practice internal medicine are called internists or internal medicine doctors.
Let’s talk about internists, when you should see them, what you can expect from them, and where you can go to find a skilled internist if you are located in Irmo, SC.
What Are Internists?
An internist is a type of primary care provider who treats everything from common illnesses to complex medical conditions of adults.
To become an internal medicine doctor, one must first get a four-year undergraduate degree. After that, they study for four years in a medical school and get a medical degree. Then, they complete three years of residency in internal medicine.
Internists also pass a certification exam to get a certification from the American Board of Internal Medicine.
One can either practice as a general internist or choose a subspecialty that needs another three years of further education.
Typically, an internal medicine doctor specializes in:
- Pulmonology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology/ Hematology
- Immunology
- Nephrology
- Rheumatology
- Hepatology
- Infectious diseases
When Should You See an Internist?
If you are above 18 years, you can see an internist and have a long-term relationship with them. An internist is a right choice to fulfill all your healthcare needs when you become too mature to see a pediatrician.
You can see an internist for all your health complaints, including:
- Cold and flu
- Sore throat
- Ear infection
- Allergies
- Stomach flu
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD
What Can You Expect from An Internist?
Your internal medicine specialist will provide you with comprehensive care based on your reason for visiting them. Most commonly, they will:
- Ask about your medical history
- Check your vital signs
- Ask about your past medications
- Give you a physical exam
- Run some laboratory tests and imaging tests
- Provide you diagnosis
- Suggest a treatment plan
- Provide preventive interventions to improve your overall health
- Provide life-long palliative care
- Check for and address your mental health disorders
- Consult with your other doctors and coordinate your care
- Check for medication interactions
- Counsel you on lifestyle changes
Internal Medicine Associates in Irmo, SC
At SC Internal Medicine Associates and Rehabilitation, our internists use the best and most advanced current medical sciences to treat diseases and prevent them from progressing. Our patient-centered medical home (PCMH) has a physician-led care team to provide you with all your healthcare needs and arrange for appropriate care from other physicians when needed..
To make an appointment with us, call us at (803) 749-1111 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to serving you!
