Internal medicine is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating adult diseases. Internists are specially trained to treat complex medical problems that primary care physicians usually see. An internist can serve as a patient’s principal health care provider, acting as both physician and chief advocate for the patient. Typically, internists specialize in one or more of the following areas: internal medicine, geriatrics, or palliative care.
Internists provide a wide range of medical services ranging from diagnosis and treatment to counseling on diet, hygiene, and preventive health care. They also often manage chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol levels. As a patient, you benefit from working with a physician practicing internal medicine in Lima, OH, in many different ways, and we look at some of them in this article.
1. Accurate Diagnosis
When you check-in for an appointment with an internist, they will begin by asking questions about your medical history and current symptoms. The physician may conduct a general physical exam to listen to the patient’s heart and lungs and inspect the abdomen and nervous system. After this assessment, your Lima internal medicine specialist may recommend diagnostic procedures to confirm the suspected diagnosis.
They may order various blood tests, urine tests, and imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. A biopsy in which a small tissue sample is removed to be tested for signs of cancer may also be performed. These tests are usually safe, non-invasive procedures that do not cause any discomfort to the patient.
2. Effective Treatment
After finishing the diagnostic procedures, the internist will have all the necessary information to produce an accurate diagnosis. It is then time to recommend a treatment plan that best suits your condition. When making this decision, the doctor will consider various factors such as your age, lifestyle choices, health history, and body tolerance to particular treatments. Depending on what is causing the symptoms, the patient may only require a change in diet or medication. You will need surgery to remove a foreign object or correct damage caused by an injury or accident in some circumstances.
3. Quality Communication
Internists provide their patients with all the information they need to decide how they should proceed with their treatment. They always respond to any questions or queries you may have, and work together with other members of your health care team, such as the surgical specialist. If your condition requires surgery, it is best to look for a board-certified internist in surgery.
4. Preventive Care
Your internist will also provide counseling on how you can maintain good health. They may recommend lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and drinking, exercising regularly, and eating a balanced diet. You can visit an internist for regular checkups to monitor the state of your health, and lookout for signs of disease or disorder before they develop fully. They may also refer you to a specialist for further tests if they detect an abnormality early on.
In summary, your relationship with an internist is vital. They can offer accurate diagnoses for different conditions and prescribe effective treatment. They also communicate effectively and provide preventive care services.
