What do you think internists and internal medicine doctors do? Do they only cater to the agendas mentioned in their career line, or do you think they have a lot more to perform in their job description?
Remember, a good internal medicine subspecialties medic would go beyond what is jotted in the appointment letter. It is because medicine is such an industry that demands a lot of blood and sweat from professionals. However, all those doctors who love being who they are tend to offer more to their patients. Not just that, but these professionals don’t feel tired due to work stress. They do get tired for other reasons.
Whatever the reasons are, internists are considered the first line of medical defense. They are responsible for quite a few tasks. For example, patient care, managing and maintaining chronic diseases, and preventive care.
However, one of the most crucial responsibilities of internists is to coordinate specialist referrals and other medical authorities. The question here arises;
Why are Coordination and Referrals Important?
Well, it is so that the patient receives the following;
- The best and right care from the specialists
- Improved results for the diseases and chronic illnesses
- Doesn’t require more than one healthcare service; duplication is reduced
- Patients are mostly satisfied with the coordination between specialists and internists
So, keeping all of that in consideration, in this blog, we have explained how internal medicine doctors work with subspecialists, how both parties communicate, and how they take care of challenges in the referral process.
Table of Contents
Most Common Subspecialties in Internal Medicine
Coordination Between Medicine Physicians and Subspecialty Internal Medicine
Challenges Experienced in Referring and Coordinating with Specialists, Etc.
Patients’ Support in Referral Processes
Takeaway: How Internal Medicine Physicians Coordinate with Specialist Referrals
Most Common Subspecialties in Internal Medicine
Every organ is special in terms of keeping the body's functionality alive, right? So, the question arises, “What keeps it going when it malfunctions?” and “Who takes care of illnesses and diseases in the long run?”
The answer to the first question is: when the body organs stop performing the basic functions, it leaves a really negative impact on the body and mind. Sadly, it is so devastating that the person who suffers from it goes into an extreme sort of illness or disease. That is where subspecialties in internal medicine come into play. If you ask what those subspecialties are, well, you have to read to the end because we have taken care of the information in this blog.
Subspecialty internal medicine includes;
- Nephrology: kidney and associated disorders
- Geriatrics: age-related and old-age health problems
- Rheumatology: musculoskeletal & autoimmune malfunctioning
- Cardiology: heart-related and vascular diseases
- Gastroenterology: issues in the gut and digestive system
- Pulmonology: respiratory as well as lung care
- Hospital Medicine: inpatient, aka hospitalized care and its coordination
- Endocrinology: hormonal concerns like thyroid and diabetes
Note: Internal medicine subspecialty adds value and depth in solving and treating long-term, chronic diseases. The main role of a specialist is to support and coordinate with the internists.
Coordination Between Medicine Physicians and Subspecialty Internal Medicine
We have been saying that internists coordinate with other doctors and specialists, right? However, we have not touched base on the “how” part. Let’s give it a shot and check different ways through which everything is channelized.
For example;
Coordination Way #1: Assessment of the Disease by Subspecialists of Internal Medicine
Once a patient consults with an internist medicine staff, he is evaluated on his present health concerns, social determinants, signs, family history, and symptoms. After that, it is ruled by the internist if the case is complicated and needs a referral to an internal medicine subspecialty doctor or not. In case he does, then the subspecialist is taken into consideration and given the referral. That is the point where the specialist takes charge and makes it believe that he needs extra care, hence the need to add other doctors is a need of the demand.
Coordination Way #2: Sharing of Information and Making Decisions through Coordination
Okay, so it goes without saying that the referrals continue to serve a purpose only in two conditions. First, when the referring doctor has all the necessary information passed from the internist. Second, there is a clear picture of the medical reports. The medical file in such scenarios helps a ton. What should you, as a patient, have in the file? Well, it must have complete diagnostic results, which include imaging and lab work. Also, it is important to have the list of current medications, history, and particular questions around the disease. Clinical suspicions from internists and other primary care providers also have a significant role. All of these areas assist in reducing the delays in treatment, redundant lab work, and other facilities that give clearer diagnoses.
Coordination Way #3: Scheduling Follow-Up Sessions After Referrals
The job of an internist medicine practitioner is not just to refer to a subspecialist. It is a far more complex one to handle. So, after completing the process of diagnosis and seeing if the referrals are needed or not, the patient undergoes several other steps to complete the treatment. For example, after referrals, internists take notes and test results from the subspecialists. It is done so that internists and other doctors stay on the same page and integrate the plan accordingly. However, in many situations, internists remain the main doctor for the patient, and the subspecialists or specialists are involved on a level where they don’t have to interact with the patients. This practice works best in life-threatening diseases like diabetes and heart-related problems.
Coordination Way #4: Choosing the Right Subspecialty Internal Medicine
Internist medicine professionals are the ones who determine the right internal medicine subspecialty for you based on the following areas;
- Accessibility of the specialist and the way the doctor treats you.
- Expertise is always the first trait to look for. In this regard, you have to check certifications and board examinations of the subspecialist.
- Also, look into the insurance coverage and participation of the doctor panel.
- History of the past collaborations of the doctors and internists.
Note: Trust and confidence are as important for the patient as satisfaction. Therefore, when internists and subspecialists align with complete trust, they reassure patients about the safety and security of their health.
Challenges Experienced in Referring and Coordinating with Specialists, Etc.
Other than all the goodness and perks in collaborating with different doctors as an internist, there are some challenges that occur occasionally. Some of them are mentioned below as examples;
Challenge #1: Patient Compliance AKA Medical Adherence
The support of an internist matters a lot to patients. For example, if patients don’t find transport, have financial constraints, or have a misunderstanding in taking an appointment, it is the internist’s responsibility to overcome these obstacles. Not just that, there are patients who find it hard to go to subspecialists due to fear. It is again the internists job to handle the situation, take the patient in counselling sessions, and make everything look smooth for them.
Challenge #2: Synchronization and Smooth Communication
Communication is extremely vital in any good relationship between the internal medicine subspecialty and the internist. It means clarity and synchronization with all parties (patients, internists, other doctors, and specialists) make results satisfying and rewarding. Communication, however, remains good and smooth only when there is a system to follow. Without a system like EHR (Electronic Health Record), a patient might face unseen trouble. So, yes! Important updates, new recommendations, etc., always need a solid network.
Challenge #3: Limited Insurance, etc.
At times, patients suffer more because of their financial constraints. For example, when they are not covered by the health insurance providers because of any concerns, like prior authorization and its prerequisites. Such situations are solved by internists, and they are the ones who actually give proper understanding and awareness on how to settle the medical bills. This particular challenge is internal medicine professionals’ responsibility to navigate and administer.
Challenge #4: Waiting Time and Accessibility of Internal Medicine Subspecialty
Unfortunately, patients at times face long waits for their turns. It has, however, prevailed more in the underprivileged and demanding areas. Sadly, they are the ones who get late diagnoses, low-quality treatments, and whatnot! Again, internists are the ones who need to work on this area.
Patients’ Support in Referral Processes
There are many like us who are not sure about the referral process, right? That means we need to walk them through it. Keeping that in mind, we have mentioned some pointers that help the patient to not get stuck and easily track the procedure;
#1: Follow the instructions of the appointment without missing any step. If the instructions are to come in 5 minutes early prior to your appointment, please do so. Likewise, there could be many other rules of the clinic you get the appointment from. Just follow it on autopilot.
#2: Referrals don’t mean you are bound to get treated by them. Please understand that referrals are for your ease, nothing else! Thinking you are not allowed to ask questions is another fact that keeps patients sick and tired of seeing the same results. Remember, it is your right to have clarity about what is happening in your body, how it is planned to be treated, when you should expect full recovery, etc.
#3: Sharing feedback of your internist to the internal medicine subspecialty doctor is extremely crucial. Your suggestions and feedback allow doctors to change the way of treatment, communication, etc. Your two cents on the plan may help in improving the treatment and preventive measures.
Takeaway: How Internal Medicine Physicians Coordinate with Specialist Referrals
Here is what we have gathered from this blog.
- Timely and most appropriate results are given to the patient with the help of the right subspecialist or referrals.
- Guidance and awareness are provided by an internal medicine subspecialties doctor.
- Communication is the gateway to smooth coordination with specialists.
- Monitoring, maintenance, follow-ups, and documentation are some ways of coordinating with subspecialists.
- Challenges are there in some cases where miscommunication, financial issues, and delays in treatment are common.