Facing health concerns is quite expected, right? But if you don’t know much about whom should you refer or consult, is something you need to figure out beforehand. It is naturally because;
- In an emergency, the research is done in a jiffy, leaving behind a lot of loopholes.
- When you do the homework as in research before the health concern pops up, it is done on another level – in-depth, more consciously, and more wisely.
So, if you are not sure about the choices in the medical industry, it is the right time to know about them now.
This blog comes in handy for all those who are not sure about the right pick of internist physician or a specialist or are keen on learning the basics of internists and specialists.
Here is what we have covered in this blog.
Table of Contents
Internists: Who Are They?
Internist Specialty and Role in Human’s Health
Specialist: An Introduction to Their Work and Profession
What Kind of Illnesses Are Dealt with by Specialists?
When to Consult with an Internist and Specialist?
Internists: Who Are They?
Similar to other doctors, internists are doctors with a medical degree. These individuals, internists, specialize in treating illnesses and diseases of adults after giving a diagnosis. Once the patient is treated or while he is being treated, internists plan a prevention strategy and share it with the specialist doctor.
We often see internists as “primary care physicians” for adults and have the ability to take care of a series of diseases or health concerns.
However, they are not the ones who have the license to operate. Internists and physicians are bound to understand and implement their understanding of how diseases impact human bodies.
Internist Specialty and Role in Human’s Health
Some of the main diseases handled and taken care of by internist near me and you include;
Heart-Related Diseases
All diseases that are somehow associated with the heart are and can be solved by an internist medicine. Well, some of the heart diseases include irregular heartbeat aka arrhythmias, coronary artery ailment, and heart failure. However, we need to understand that the internist is the one who can only give suggestions about treatment, diagnosis, and preventive measures. Other than that, the need for a specialist may arise in severe cases. But yes, internists are the ones who take the patient and manage the earliest form of heart disease.
Digestive Concerns
At times human body experiences digestive issues which may cause uncomfortable feelings. Those illnesses include acidity aka acid reflux, IBS aka irritable bowel syndrome, or other gastrointestinal problems. All of these issues are regulated and taken care of by an internist.
Chronic and Life-Threatening Health Problems
Internist specialty is to prevent and manage life-threatening health concerns too. This may include obesity, chronic body pains, and arthritis. To combat any of these illnesses, internists dive into the lives of patients and look into their lifestyles and habits. Once they figure out some adjustments, they suggest and ensure positive changes in their bodies.
Diabetes
Diabetes is not only a chronic but consequential illness. It affects body parts and makes the patient vulnerable to the point where the chances of verve damage are expected. Also, it may cause vision issues and kidney failure. That’s why an internist is expected to bring blood sugar to good levels – which is done by medicines and lifestyle changes.
Autoimmune Diseases
There are several illnesses in which the body’s cells are attacked by the immune system and need medical attention. That is where an internist doctor near me and you can help. By the way, rheumatoid arthritis is one of the forms of autoimmune disease.
Hypertension AKA High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure in the arteries becomes excessively alarming and paves the way to heart and kidney problems. That is an illness that causes strokes as well and needs an internist specialty to come back to normal health.
Infections
Internists are good at treating, diagnosing, and preventing patients with different types of infections. For example, if you have a urinary tract infection or flu, then yes, going to an internist will help you for sure.
Lung and Respiratory Concerns
Breathing is affected by asthma or other COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). These illnesses are taken care of by a seasoned internist medicine without any hassle.
Note: In case you have several health issues and don’t know where to go, the internist comes to rescue your health by giving you all the necessary treatments and preventive measure plans. They are the ones who with regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations help keep your health at an optimal level.
Specialist: An Introduction to Their Work and Profession
After completing a degree in medicine, individuals are technically called doctors. They are not specialist or internists. But once a doctor completes another training and residency program, they become a “specialist”. An internist specialist is not a specialist in a particular organ though.
So, what you need to understand at this point are the following points.
- Internist specialists are not like any other specialist.
- Internist has specialties in their own specific domain.
- Specialties are the ones who have extra certification and training that make them specialists.
- Specialists are those who have done additional studies and training in specific organs.
Specialists are not the first doctors in the hospital or clinic to take care of the patient. It clearly means that the specialists are not primary care physicians.
What Kind of Illnesses Are Dealt with by Specialists?
The following illnesses or diseases are taken care of by specialist doctors.
Neurologists
Specialists who have studied and then taken additional training in the nervous system as well as brain-related illnesses are called neurologists. They take care of illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
Oncologists
Oncologists are specialized doctors who diagnose, treat, and prevent patients with all types of cancers. They are the ones who lead the treatment and preventive plan.
Rheumatologists
These are the specialists who have expertise in taking care of autoimmune diseases. In these diseases, immunity runs against the body and causes joint pain, bones, and muscles. Gout and lupus are some finest examples of autoimmune diseases.
Dermatologists
All those specialists who have expertise in dealing with and managing skin, nail, and hair health concerns are called dermatologists. Some of the matters dealt with by dermatologists include eczema, rashes, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
Gastroenterologists
Diseases related to the digestive system, severe sort of indigestion, stomach ulcers, and even Crohn’s disease are the responsibility of gastroenterologists to treat and prevent from happening again.
Cardiologists
Heart-related health concerns are not taken care of by internists. For that, you have to go to a cardiologist.
Pulmonologists
Respiratory and lung-related problems are treated by pulmonologists. They are the doctors who can help you with sleep apnea, asthma, pneumonia, and COPD.
Podiatrists
They are the specialist who put a massive emphasis on feet and ankle-related issues. For example, sprains, fractures, bunions, and diabetic feet are treated by these specialists.
Endocrinologists
These specialists are all about treating, handling, and managing the hormonal systems of the human body. Diabetes, adrenal glands, thyroid malfunctioning, and pituitary glands are handled by them.
Orthopedic Surgeons
When bones get fractured or you have joint pain, then orthopedic surgeons are the doctors who can take care of the situation. They are the specialists who take care of torn ligaments, spine issues, bone concerns, or arthritis.
A Guide: When to Consult with an Internist and Specialist?
Since now you are familiar with specialists and internists, let’s discuss how to decide which doctor you must go to for the consultation, diagnosis, and treatment.
General Health and Particular Health Concerns
Internist: You have to see an internist doctor near me (Indus Medical Associates if you are in Rancho Mirage or Coachella) for general health problems, regular check-ups, vaccinations, and other symptoms that cause discomfort in your daily life routine.
Specialist: If you have a particular health concern that requires focused help from a doctor, then specialists are meant for you.
Chronic and Complexed Health Issues
Internist: These will help you in handling, managing, and preventing chronic and complex health matters. But you as a patient shall be referred to specialists if the need arises.
Specialists: Teamwork is required at times in the handling of chronic illnesses. That is where the internist specialty and specialists work together.
Preventive Measures and Care
Internists: They are the best primary care doctors for preventive care. It is because internists are the ones who take care of and handle the yearly check-ups, different screenings, and vaccinations.
Specialists: These professionals help in safeguarding individuals with specific problems, their treatments, managing, and prevention.