An internist (or internal medicine doctor) is a doctor who specializes in adult health. They have advanced training in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect key internal organs, like the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. This is how they can manage everything from a short-term medical issue like an infection or a long-term condition like diabetes or high blood pressure.
But can your internist also be your primary care physician? Our internal medicine specialists in East Chicago, Indiana will answer that question below.
What does an internist do?
Internists understand how different diseases interact, they can provide well-rounded care that looks at the whole body of the patient. This makes them valuable for adults who have complicated health needs or want a doctor who can oversee their overall wellness.
Another reason to choose an internal medicine specialist in East Chicago, Indiana as your primary care doctor is their focus on prevention. Instead of just treating diseases after they develop, internists help keep patients healthy by recognizing early warning signs. They may recommend changes in lifestyle, diet, and medications to prevent serious health issues from developing over time.
How is an internist different from a family doctor?
If you are trying to decide between seeing an internist or a family doctor, it is important to understand the key differences between them. While both provide primary care, their training and patient focus are not the same.
A family doctor is trained to care for patients of all ages, from newborns to elderly individuals. This makes them a good choice for families who want a single doctor for everyone in the household.
Internists only treat patients who are 18 years or older. Their training is focused exclusively on adult health conditions, including chronic diseases like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and metabolic disorders. Because of this specialized knowledge, internists tend to be the better choice for most adults, especially those who have ongoing medical conditions that need careful monitoring and management.
The benefits of choosing an internist for primary care
There are many benefits to having an internal medicine specialist in East Chicago, Indiana as your primary doctor, especially if you have chronic health conditions.
Internists are trained to handle complicated medical situations that involve multiple conditions at once. For example, if you have both diabetes and high blood pressure, an internist can create a treatment plan that balances medications and lifestyle changes to keep both conditions under control. They also collaborate with other specialists, such as heart doctors (cardiologists) and lung doctors (pulmonologists), to make sure that your treatment is well-coordinated.
Preventative care is another big advantage of seeing an internist. They provide regular check-ups, screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle recommendations to help you maintain good health. Regular visits to an internist can help you catch potential health problems before they become serious and harder to treat.
When should you see an internist?
If you have chronic health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, an internal medicine specialist in East Chicago, Indiana is an excellent choice for your primary doctor. They can create a personalized treatment plan that helps you manage all your health concerns in the best way.
Internists are also experts in handling medical cases where symptoms are unclear or affect multiple parts of the body. If you experience ongoing fatigue, pain, or unexplained symptoms, an internist can perform detailed evaluations to find the actual cause and recommend the right treatment.
Since internists specialize in adult health, they are ideal for patients aged 18 and older who need regular health check-ups, disease prevention, and personalized medical advice. Building a long-term relationship with an internist helps you make sure that your health is closely monitored and that any changes in your condition are addressed quickly.
Looking for an Affordable Internal Medicine Specialist in East Chicago, Indiana?
Are you ready to meet with an internal medicine specialist in East Chicago, Indiana to start your journey to a healthier you? If so, 219 Health Network is the place to visit. With a team of highly skilled and compassionate internists, we are here to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to begin the process.