Do you feel a little overwhelmed when it comes to selecting the right primary care doctor? For adults and seniors, an internist or an internal medicine doctor can be an invaluable partner in managing immediate and long-term health needs.
Here are some tips for choosing the best internist for your primary care needs.
What Is Primary Care?
Primary care is the foundation of your healthcare experience. It comprises a range of medical services coordinated and delivered by a qualified healthcare provider. Often, you can get most of your healthcare needs met in one location.
Your primary care provider, or PCP, will:
- Diagnose acute and chronic illnesses.
- Identify health risks, including genetic factors and lifestyle elements.
- Treat and manage illnesses, injuries and chronic health problems.
- Refer you to medical specialists when necessary.
- Maintain and distribute your electronic health record (paperless chart).
- Educate you on preventing health issues and managing chronic conditions.
- Order screening tests for cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and others.
What Is an Internal Medicine Doctor?
An internal medicine doctor, or internist, is a physician specializing in the care of adults and seniors. Internists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, from common illnesses, such as the flu and pneumonia, to complex medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease. They focus on comprehensive care, often managing multiple conditions at the same time.
Internists consider the whole person, taking into account physical, emotional and socioeconomic factors which might affect health. The expertise and experience of a board-certified internal medicine doctor make him a popular choice for primary care, particularly for those who are medically frail.
What Subspecialties Can an Internist Offer?
Internists often have additional training in subspecialties. Subspecialties enable these doctors to provide more targeted care.
The subspecialties we offer at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation include:
- Sleep medicine, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders, such as insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Medical weight loss, assisting patients in achieving their weight goals, particularly if they struggle with obesity and its related health problems.
- Diabetes management, providing medications, blood sugar monitoring and dietary modifications for people with type-1 and type-2 diabetes.
- Cardiology which focuses on achieving and maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
How Can I Choose the Right Internist for Primary Care?
Here are some tips to guide you in this very important decision about the healthcare provider right for you.
Research the Credentials and Experience of the Doctor
Look for a few board-certified internists in your area with experience relevant to your health conditions. Explore their websites to learn about the services they offer, board certification, education, and more.
You also may go to the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website to check for board certification. This credential is really essential as it indicates a high level of professional expertise, continued improvement of skills, and accountability to other physicians in the same field.
Consider Accessibility and Health Insurance
Find an internal medicine doctor who is easily accessible for regular check-ups and urgent health matters. Preferably, the office will be near your workplace, your teen’s school or your home.
Check on the availability of parking and handicapped access, as needed. If you need public transportation, select an internal medicine doctor near a bus or train line.
Also, when you contact the doctor’s office, find out how long you will have to wait to get a new patient appointment. Ask if the doctor communicates by phone, email or text. Inquire about a convenient patient portal for non-urgent questions, prescription refills and test results.
Finally, ask your health insurance carrier if the doctors you are evaluating participate in your plan. Cross-check this with the potential provider’s insurance expert. It’s important to know what your financial responsibilities may be before you commit to seeing a new internist on a regular basis.
Evaluate Communication Style
Your primary care physician must communicate clearly and listen closely to your concerns. Feeling comfortable with your internist is essential for a long-term relationship built on real trust.
So, at an initial consultation with a new provider, be sure you get the respect you deserve and the guidance you need about your health.
Check Reviews and Referrals
Check online reviews from Google or Healthgrades. They can tell you a lot about the patient care an internist delivers.
Also, obtain referrals from friends or family. They can offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the doctor’s bedside manner, too.
Internal Medicine Doctors in Irmo, SC
Selecting the right internist for your primary care can make a significant difference in your overall health and well-being. At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation, our team of board-certified physicians caters to patients from all walks of life. They specialize in family practice or internal medicine. We offer subspecialties in sleep medicine, medical weight loss, diabetes, and cardiology.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, call our office at (803) 749-1111 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
