When trying to figure out what kind of doctor they should see, many people ask ‘what is an internal medicine doctor’ or ‘what does internal medicine mean?’
For senior adults enrolled in a Medicare plan, knowing what an internal medicine doctor does can help in choosing the right care provider for their unique needs.
Let’s go into what an internal medicine physician is, what differentiates them from other kinds of primary care providers, and the role an internal medicine specialist plays in the healthcare of senior adults, especially those enrolled in Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.
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What is a doctor of internal medicine
An internal medicine doctor, also known as an internal medicine physician or internist, is a doctor who helps prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases in adults.
Internists are primary care physicians who manage a wide range of health conditions, from common illnesses to chronic diseases that frequently affect adults, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure.
They provide preventative care including screenings, immunizations, and lifestyle counselling. They also educate patients about their health and treatment options available to them.
Internists coordinate care with other specialists when needed, and oversee care transitions from hospital to home (or rehabilitation facility).
Read more: Why does falling down send 1 in 4 senior Americans to the hospital
What does internal medicine mean?
The term ‘internal medicine’ refers to the areas that physicians focus on in this medical specialty. An internist treats diseases of the internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Internal medicine specialists use scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to diagnose, treat, prevent illnesses in, and provide comprehensive care to adults.
Internists often serve as primary care providers for senior adults aged 65 years and above.
Internists do not provide surgical or pediatric care.
Related read: What can your internist discover from your fingernails
The difference between an internal medicine doctor and a family doctor
Internists and family doctors can both serve as primary care physicians, but their training, focus, and scope of practical experience differ.
Internists
- Specialize in adult medicine only
- Treat patients aged 18 years and over
- Often have specialist knowledge of complex, chronic, or multisystem adult diseases
- Are trained in hospital and outpatient adult care
Family doctors
- Treat patients of all ages, from babies to geriatrics
- The same doctor often treats all members of the family
- Have broad knowledge of diseases that affect people at large
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Examples of internal medicine
Internal medicine covers a vast array of conditions and subspecialties in geriatrics, including:
| Chronic Conditions | Specialty Areas |
|---|---|
| Heart disease (cardiology) | Cancer (oncology) |
| Diabetes and thyroid disorders (endocrinology) | Blood disorders (hematology) |
| Lung diseases like COPD and asthma (pulmonology) | Infectious diseases (such as pneumonia or sepsis) |
| Arthritis and autoimmune conditions (rheumatology) | Digestive disorders (gastroenterology) |
| Kidney disease (nephrology) |
What does an internist do?
As your primary care provider, your internal medicine doctor is responsible for maintaining your health at a consistent level. They do so with:
Medicare Annual Wellness Visits
Your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit is a once-in-a-year visit to your doctor to evaluate your general wellness and well-being. It’s important because it gives your primary care physician a lot of the information they need to create a health and well-being plan specifically for you.
Your internist will schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness visit, send reminders when you’re due for a visit, and update your records as needed.
Preventive screenings covered by Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Patients enrolled in Original Medicare (also known as Part A and Part B) and Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) are eligible for several preventative screenings.
These are cautionary check-ups that look for potential illnesses and diseases. Catching such a disease early makes it possible to create better, more effective treatment plans.
Senior adults are at risk of developing certain diseases with increasing age. Your internist will regularly evaluate your chances of getting such an illness and recommend relevant screenings at the necessary time.
Manage chronic conditions
It is quite common for senior adults to have one or more than one chronic condition, such as diabetes or COPD.
Your internist will keep an eye on your condition, monitor and track its progression, prescribe appropriate medication, create diet and nutrition plans, design exercise plans, and/or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Monitor your health
Your internist will keep an eye on your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. In certain cases, they might use Remote Patient Monitoring, which lets care providers watch out for you when you can’t visit the clinic.
Review and update your medications
Patients dealing with multiple health conditions may need to take several different kinds of medications. Some drugs may be prescribed by your primary care provider, some by your specialists.
As the main healthcare professional responsible for you, your internal medicine doctor will keep track of all your meds and also watch for possible interactions between different drugs.
Coordinate your care
Internists often have thorough knowledge of illnesses and diseases common among their patients. However, if your health condition is at an advanced stage, they may want you to see a specialist.
Your internist may also direct you to mental health professionals if they see signs of depression or other mental health conditions.
As your PCP, your internist will coordinate your care between all your specialist doctors and make sure your health records are kept up to date.
Provide vaccinations and immunizations
Internal medicine doctors will ensure you are up to date with all your vaccinations and flu shots.
Encourage you to conduct annual benefits reviews
Medicare offers several benefits for patients with certain health issues. These benefits are revised and updated regularly and can be very helpful for patients with limited finances, limited mobility, and other difficult circumstances.
I’m looking for an internist near me. What should I keep in mind when searching?
If you are searching for a new doctor and trying to decide what sort of medical professional would suit your needs best, you might like to think about the following questions:
- Does this doctor have a deep understanding of the complex medical issues affecting me?
- I have multiple chronic conditions. Can I count on this doctor to provide effective, comprehensive care for all of them, or will I need to see different doctors for each condition?
- Can this doctor go the distance? If I develop additional health conditions that typically come with increasing age, does this doctor have the knowledge and capacity to continue providing care?
- How many patients in the doctor’s waiting room are like me?
- I often need a walker and sometimes even a wheelchair to get around. Lots of senior adults like me have mobility issues of varying degrees. Does this doctor’s clinic have facilities that make it easier for patients like me?
VISUAL CLUES
A waiting room filled with patients similar to you in age and health is an indication that the doctor will be familiar with the kinds of issues you face.
A clinic fitted with wheelchair ramps, handrails, grab bars, non-slip floor mats, bright lights, signs and notices in large print, and easily accessible bathrooms means the doctor understands the needs of their senior patients well.
Read more: The top qualities we trust in a good doctor
Internal medicine and Medicare
Both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage provide coverage to patients seeing internists.
Find an internal medicine doctor near you
Explore the network of IntraCare Health Centers across Arizona and Texas to find highly skilled and experienced internists near you.
Browse our list of providers, learn more about our services, and schedule an appointment today. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions, seeking preventive care, or looking for a trusted partner in your healthcare journey, IntraCare is here for you.