Has it ever happened to you that a number of symptoms appeared on your body, but there was no clue where to get them treated or diagnosed?

I am sure that you once in your life had to figure it out. That day would have turned out to be the most irritating and baffling one, right?

The good part of it is that you might have learned the ways to sort the concerning factors. But unfortunately, it could mean hours spent on research and all.

However, before delving into the topic, it is imperative to mention that internal med specialties providers are doctors with medical studies and training. After which they are entitled to help patients.

What else should you know?

• Some internists or specialists are trained to take care of a particular area of medicine.

• Others are more of the general internists, aka “subspecialists”, who focus on a specific organ, system, disease, or health condition.

By the end of this guide, you will learn the main subspecialties of internal medicine and which specialist can help you with your current health problem.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider regarding any medical condition or symptom.

Everything You Must Know About Internal Medicine

I can relate to the feeling when there was a lot of confusion in picking the right doctor for myself. With the list of symptoms growing with time, frustration made a very sad and painful impact on my body.

I remember how one health concern made me go through several more.

Here is exactly what happened: I started feeling pain in my tummy. The first few days were manageable, but after 4 days it turned into stress and fatigue too. The reason for it was simple: I was thinking too much about the situation and was not able to take time out to get myself treated.

Anyhow, once the condition started to worry me the most, I made the decision and went to Indus Medical Associates to get myself checked. There, I was referred to internal medicine speciality doctors.

First of all, a history of diseases and health matters was taken into account. Then, the current list of symptoms and diseases was discussed. Subspecialty internal medicine doctors gave a holistic treatment plan after the diagnosis.

Here is what I think is best to understand before consulting with the specialist or subspecialty doctor:

• Always make a list of symptoms you had previously, with dates and descriptions, before seeking an internal medicine specialist’s help.

• Medical records in a file should be taken with you. It should have all the lab results, different sorts of medical reports and medicine prescriptions.

• Don’t hesitate to discuss your health goals with the doctors.

Lessons I have gotten from the subspecialist.

First lesson: it is important to seek help from the internal medicine subspecialty.

Second lesson: never wait too long to consult with the doctor for your special medical needs.

Third lesson: work on the treatment plan with the doctor to get the best results.

Internal Medicine Subspecialties You Should Know

I made a blunder by not availing myself of the services of subspecialties in internal medicine,but you shouldn’t! Instead, you must get yourself familiar with the major subspecialties.

Subspecialty #1: Cardiology

Cardiology is the medical field for diagnosing and treating heart-related concerns.

What is treated by cardiologists?

These are some of the subspecialties in internal medicine that treat the following areas;

• Heart diseases

• Heart failure

• High blood pressure

• Irregular heartbeats

• Peripheral artery disease

• High cholesterol

• Heart valve problems

When do you need cardiologists?

The situations or cases where you may need a cardiologist include shortness of breath, swelling in the legs, and chest pain.

Subspecialty #2: Rheumatology

Rheumatologists treat, diagnose, and help patients prevent joint as well as autoimmune diseases.

What areas of the body are treated by rheumatologists?

These internal med specialists look after the following areas (after autoimmune diseases impact them);

• Muscles

• Joints

• Bones

• Connective tissues

• Immune system

Also, these internal medicine subspecialty doctors treat the following;

• Lupus

• Gout

• Vasculitis

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Psoriatic arthritis

When do you need a rheumatologist?

Well, if you have excruciating and chronic joint pain, swelling in the joints, morning stiffness, or rashes without any reason or symptoms.

Subspecialty #3: Nephrology

It is an internal medicine subspecialty that is associated with kidneys, how fluid is controlled, and managing minerals and blood pressure.

What do nephrologists treat?  

• Kidney injury

• Kidney failure

• Chronic kidney disease

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Some kidney stone problems

• Hard-to-control high blood pressure

When is a nephrologist needed?

It is best to consult with a nephrologist when you experience swollen legs, kidney problems, frequent but sudden changes in blood pressure, and foamy urine.

Subspecialty #4: Endocrinology

One of the most common subspecialties in internal medicine for your loved ones in their sixties is endocrinology. This medical field is all about the treatment, diagnosis, and preventive measures of hormones and diabetes.

What is treated by endocrinologists?

• Osteoprosis

• Thyroid problems

• Hormonal imbalances

• Metabolic dysfunctions

• Type 1 and 2 diabetes

• Adrenal gland disorders

• Pituitary gland disorders

When are endocrinologists required?

When you observe unexplained weight changes, extreme thirst, ongoing hormonal issues, and frequent urination.

Subspecialty #5: Gastroenterology

In this subspecialty of internal medicine, the doctor emphasises the digestive system. Subspecialists also help in diagnosing and treating problems that affect the intestines, liver, stomach, and other digestive organs.

What is treated by gastroenterologists?

• Crohn’s disease

• Celiac disease

• Liver disease

• Ulcerative colitis

• Acid reflux (GERD)

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

When is a gastroenterologist needed?

You must consult a gastroenterologist when there is ongoing stomach pain, long-term diarrhoea, problems with swallowing, blood in the stool, or severe heartburn.

My Lessons from Consulting with Subspecialists at Indus Medical Associates

After scheduling an appointment with a subspecialist at Indus Medical Associates, I learned the importance of the right guidance from medical professionals. The first lesson was about how big problems become small with the right attitude and aptitude of medical professionals. Well, I was fortunate and lucky to get medical help from the best doctors. They gave me a personalized care plan with strategic treatment and preventive measures.

What else did I learn?

Lesson #1: Specialists focus on specific health issues, and for that, diagnostic tests may be carried out.

Lesson #2: Asking questions and sharing information helps the subspecialists know my concerns, symptoms, medical history, how to treat my body, and what may not work on my body.

Lesson #3: After coming back from the appointment with my doctor, I started focusing more on preventive measures. Now I go for regular checkups and live a healthy life by implementing healthy habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question #1: Which are the most common subspecialties in internal medicine?

Answer: There are several subspecialties of internal medicine. However, the most common ones include cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. Each of these emphasizes a specific body part or its functioning.

Question #2: What are internal medicine specialities?

Answer: Internal medicine specialities focus on preventive measures, diagnosis, and treatment of health issues in adults. Internists are there to help patients with general care. However, when it comes to subspecialists, they deal with and manage health concerns related to specific diseases, conditions, or organs.

Question #3:What are the internal med specialities?

Answer: Internal med specialities include heart care, hormone and diabetes care, kidney health, lung care, digestive health, blood disorders, etc. All of these are treated by subspecialists.

Question #4: How do subspecialties in internal medicine help patients in their sixties?

Answer: As humans get in their sixties, they often have several health concerns at the very same time. Subspecialists handle and look after severe health conditions to help patients regain health and become independent. Subspecialists not only take care of the specific health conditions but also help with treatment and testing of ongoing diseases.

Question #5: How should I decide to consult with specialists or subspecialists?

Answer: Go step by step and don’t get overwhelmed by the process. First of all, you need to consult with primary care doctors or an internist. After they review your symptoms, etc., go to the referred specialists (if the PCP has recommended one). You may need a subspecialist when symptoms continue, a condition becomes complex, or standard treatment does not work.

Sources

• American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM): Subspecialty Training Requirements & Policies.

• American College of Physicians (ACP): Guide to Internal Medicine and Adult Care Specialties.

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Health Information & Disease Management Guidelines.