3 Reasons To Consult Internal Medicine Providers

Internal medicine providers help adult patients stay on top of their health. They offer unique benefits, as well as those that you would expect from any doctor (timely diagnosis, etc.). If you are looking for a new healthcare provider, an internal medicine doctor may check all the boxes.

When to see an internal medicine practitioner

Also known as internists, internal medicine practitioners are dedicated to treating patients 18 years of age and older. This contrasts with family medicine doctors, who provide healthcare to patients of all ages. As a result, internists are a great choice for patients who do not need to bundle appointments for themselves and their children. That means patients can expect shorter wait times for appointments with an internist while receiving the same comprehensive care. Other reasons patients opt to see an internist include the following:

1. Get preventive care

Internal medicine doctors help patients prevent the development of health conditions, from the flu to cardiovascular disease. It is most common for patients to receive this preventive care in a routine physical examination. To best protect their health, patients should receive annual physicals.

During a physical, the internist will check in with the patient about their health and discuss lifestyle changes to maintain good health. They will also order tests to detect asymptomatic health conditions. For instance, they may recommend a heart-healthy diet for a patient with high cholesterol, helping to prevent the development of heart disease. Additionally, patients may ask about vaccinations to reduce their chances of contracting illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, or RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

2. Diagnose symptoms

Patients may consult an internal medicine doctor about a variety of symptoms. Whether they indicate a concussion, a sexually transmitted disease (STD), or pregnancy, an internist has the training to diagnose the cause. From there, they can provide treatment to resolve the infection or heal the injury. Or, if the patient is pregnant, discuss the next steps.

Many internists provide adult sick visits, as well. Patients can make an appointment for help determining if they have a common cold, flu, or something else and ask for recommendations on managing their symptoms. As a note, please inform the staff of the patient’s symptoms when scheduling the appointment so that accommodations can be made to prevent the spread of the illness throughout the clinic.

3. Manage and treat chronic health conditions

Internal medicine practitioners treat short-term health conditions and can help patients manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cancer. In these cases, they will refer the patient to and work with a team of other medical professionals to provide comprehensive care. It is possible to adjust treatment over time to accommodate the patient as they improve or develop additional symptoms.

Set up an appointment today

Patients may choose to see an internal medicine doctor for short- or long-term medical care. If you would like a doctor focused on adult healthcare, contact Millennium Medical Care today. We provide personalized care in Fairfax and the surrounding areas.

Request an appointment here: https://millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care at (703) 372-4429 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.

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