The medical field is rife with terminology that can prove confounding to the average person. When referencing the names of diseases and treatments, doctors often must explain to a patient what a term means. Even the names of medical specialists can prove unfamiliar to many patients. While most people are familiar with the role of an immunologist, few are aware that a nephrologist specializes in kidney-related diseases. Likewise, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the critical, front-line primary care provided by general practitioners (GPs) and family medicine doctors. However, do you know what an internal medicine doctor, AKA “internist,” does?
If not, Naples, Florida, internal medicine specialists Dr. Diane Brzezinski, D.O., and Dr. Michael Hellman, D.O. can provide the answer. As their website’s homepage notes, they offer “whole body healthcare,” and serve as advocates for a patient’s “personal health, trained to navigate through puzzling diagnostic concerns.” While they may act “as your primary care physician, internists are not general practitioners,” yet are “equipped to handle most any problem a patient may experience, no matter how simple, common, or complex.” Let’s take a closer look at the role internists play in medical care to help you determine whether one is the perfect practitioner for your healthcare needs.
What Exactly is an “Internist?”
Internists are medical doctors who specialize in internal medicine, which focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Internal medicine doctors receive in-depth training about how the different bodily systems work together, which makes them especially adept at gleaning a comprehensive, “big picture” understanding of a patient’s health or specific health condition. They manage a wide range of acute and chronic conditions affecting internal organs, and typically use a holistic treatment approach to address underlying causes rather than a symptomatic response.
An internal medicine doctor receives the same initial medical education as a GP or family medicine doctor, but with an in-depth emphasis on preventing, diagnosing, and treating internal diseases and health conditions affecting adults. Florida internists are required to undergo three to four years of post-medical school residency, typically involving critical care in a hospital setting. Internal medicine board certification requirements are more intensive than those for GPs and family medicine, as they require applicants to pass testing in nearly every medical specialization, whether pulmonology, cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, oncology, rheumatology, and other critical care medical fields.
Why Would a Patient Turn to an Internist Instead of a GP?
While internists are more specialized than GPs and family doctors, many doctors who practice internal medicine play a GP role, especially for patients who need specialized care for complex conditions like diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and issues that involve multiple organs or are proving difficult to diagnose. Internal medicine doctors are the best choice for effectively managing chronic health conditions and providing top-notch preventative care for those most at risk from specific health threats. As a primary care physician, an internist can effectively manage multiple health concerns and be instrumental in coordinating effective care through referrals while ensuring the best in overall holistic health. An internist may work perfectly as your primary care provider for the following reasons:
· You have a condition that requires multiple specialists, in which an internist can prove invaluable in coordinating care.
· You’re interested in taking a holistic approach to address aging-related health issues, including menopause.
· You have symptoms that are proving difficult to diagnose or that affect multiple organ systems.
· You’re suffering from chronic pain, which may benefit from nuanced management.
· You’re seeking preventative care to reduce the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other healthcare issues.
· You have lifestyle-related health issues, such as obesity-related joint pain and sleep apnea, that might benefit from a holistic healthcare response.
For the Best in Internal Medicine Care in Naples, Consult with Dr. B and her Team
If you want to learn whether an internal medicine physician is the right option for your primary care needs, Dr. B, Dr. Hellman, or Kelly Fennemore ARNP would be glad to meet with you. Contact Dr. B’s Naples-based Internal Medicine practice today through our easy online form or by calling (239) 261-9990.
