Choosing the right primary care physician (PCP) is a significant health decision. If you’re an adult seeking comprehensive and specialized healthcare, an internal medicine doctor might be the ideal PCP for you. Often referred to as “internists,” these doctors are experts in adult medicine and can serve as your first point of contact for a wide range of health concerns. They not only provide routine check-ups and preventive care but are also equipped to manage complex and chronic conditions. Should you require specialized attention, your internist can also guide you to the right experts.
Understanding the Role of an Internal Medicine Doctor
An internal medicine doctor or internist specializes in the care of adults, typically those 18 years and older. They are trained to handle a broad spectrum of health issues, from common illnesses to complex medical problems. Here’s a closer look at what makes them unique:
- Adult-Focused Care: Internists dedicate their practice to adult patients, gaining deep expertise in the health concerns specific to this age group. They are adept at managing both immediate and long-term health needs of adults.
- Specialized Training: Many internists pursue further training in a subspecialty of internal medicine. This advanced expertise is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes, ensuring they receive focused and informed care.
- Primary Care Provider: An internist can absolutely serve as your PCP. For adults, they are equipped to provide annual physicals, administer vaccinations, conduct health screenings, and offer personalized advice on maintaining optimal health.
Internal Medicine Doctor vs. Family Medicine Doctor: Key Differences
While both internal medicine and family medicine doctors are excellent choices for primary care, there are key distinctions:
- Age Range: The primary difference lies in the age groups they treat. Internists focus exclusively on adults, whereas family medicine doctors are trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to seniors.
- Scope of Practice: Internists do not typically provide pediatric or obstetric/gynecological care. Family medicine doctors, depending on their practice, may offer these services in addition to general primary care.
- Breadth vs. Depth: Family medicine doctors are generalists, providing a wide range of care for the entire family. Internists, while also providing broad primary care for adults, often have deeper, more specialized knowledge within adult medicine, especially if they subspecialize.
It’s important to note that like family medicine doctors, internists prioritize building long-term relationships with their patients. This ongoing care allows them to gain a comprehensive understanding of your health history and provide consistent, personalized medical advice over the years.
Conditions Treated by Internists
Internists are equipped to manage a vast array of health conditions affecting adults. Whether it’s a minor ailment or a complex chronic disease, you can often rely on an internist for expert care. Some internists also specialize in caring for adults with developmental disabilities or conditions that originated in childhood.
Find more information about the conditions treated by internal medicine doctors.
Internal Medicine Services Offered
At UPMC, our internists provide a comprehensive suite of services tailored to adult health needs:
- Care for Acute and Chronic Illnesses: From sudden illnesses like the flu to long-term conditions such as hypertension or asthma, internists are skilled in diagnosis and management.
- Care Coordination: Internists act as a central point of contact, coordinating care between specialists, urgent care, and hospital services within the UPMC network, ensuring seamless and integrated healthcare.
- Preventive Care and Routine Exams: Annual check-ups are crucial for maintaining health, regardless of age. Internists provide these exams, offering personalized advice on healthy habits and addressing any health concerns proactively.
- Geriatric Medicine: Internists are trained to address the unique healthcare needs of older adults, understanding the complexities of aging and age-related conditions.
- Health Screenings: Early detection is key to managing many diseases. Internists guide patients on necessary screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies, and facilitate these important preventive measures.
- Medication Management: Managing medications, especially for multiple conditions, can be complex. Your internist can oversee your medications, ensuring they are appropriate, effective, and safe to take in combination.
- Vaccinations: From annual flu shots to travel vaccines, internists provide necessary immunizations to protect your health.
Scheduling Your First Appointment
Getting started with an internist at UPMC is straightforward. You don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment. To prepare for your first visit, you may be asked to provide your health records beforehand.
Find a UPMC internal medicine doctor near you to book your appointment today.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
For your initial consultation, please be prepared to:
- Complete necessary health insurance forms.
- Provide detailed information about your medical history.
- Undergo a physical examination.
- Discuss and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.
UPMC Internal Medicine Doctors: Your Partners in Health
UPMC internists are dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare for adults. They are highly qualified to manage most of your healthcare needs directly or guide you to the right specialist when needed.
Find a UPMC internal medicine doctor near you to take the first step towards better health with a trusted and expert physician.
