Internal Medicine

An internal medicine doctor, often referred to as an internist, is a medical specialist with a primary focus on adult and geriatric medical care. An internist offers expertise and personalized attention whether you have chronic conditions, require preventive care, or face complex issues. They prioritize a holistic approach to wellness and establish long-term patient-doctor relationships founded on trust and collaboration.

Here’s a detailed look at the role of an internal medicine doctor and why you should consider seeing one:

1. Comprehensive Adult Care: Internal medicine doctors are equipped to provide comprehensive care for adults and the elderly. They possess skills in handling a broad range of medical conditions that impact this demographic.

2. Disease Management: Internists excel in diagnosing, treating, and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. They work with patients to develop personalized treatment plans and monitor their progress.

3. Complex Cases: Internists are often sought after for their expertise in handling complex medical cases that may involve multiple conditions or affect various organ systems. They have the knowledge and experience to coordinate care effectively.

4. Preventive Care: In addition to disease management, internal medicine doctors emphasize disease prevention. They educate patients on adopting a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, and preventive screenings, to maintain overall wellness.

5. Specialized Areas: Internists are skilled in various medical subspecialties, including women’s health, mental health, ophthalmology (eye health), otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), dermatology (skin), neurology (nervous system), and reproductive health.

6. Holistic Approach: Internal medicine doctors take a holistic approach to patient care, considering the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They address not only specific ailments but also the broader health and lifestyle factors that influence a patient’s overall health.

7. Long-Term Relationships: Internists often establish long-term relationships with their patients, serving as primary care physicians who oversee their medical care over many years. This continuity of care fosters trust and effective management of health concerns.

8. Coordination of Care: In cases where patients require care from multiple specialists, internists play a crucial role in coordinating and managing the overall treatment plan, ensuring seamless care delivery.

9. Geriatric Expertise: Internal medicine doctors are particularly skilled in addressing the unique healthcare needs of older adults, including age-related conditions, medication management, and preserving quality of life.

In summary, an internist, a specialized medical practitioner, dedicates themselves to delivering comprehensive adult and geriatric care. Whether you have chronic conditions, need preventive care, or face complex issues, an internist provides expertise and personalized attention. Finally, they prioritize a holistic approach to wellness and build long-term patient-doctor relationships based on trust and collaboration.

WHAT DO INTERNISTS DO?

Tanner Clinic internists care for adult primary care needs. This includes, but is not limited to, diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, heart disease, and all other organ abnormalities. Our internal medicine providers help with acute problem management and can perform coronary stress tests.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE AN INTERNIST?

Typically, all adults should have an internist, with an adult being defined as anyone over the age of 18 years old. Internists see chronic health issues as well as acute needs when injury or illnesses happen suddenly.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FAMILY MEDICINE DOCTOR AND AN INTERNIST?

Family medicine doctors frequently see pediatric patients and some even deliver babies. Family doctors have basic training in adult medicine, but internists are adult medicine specialists who care for complicated medical issues in adults only.

Family doctors and internal medicine doctors become primary care physicians for patients. You need to establish a primary care physician who will be able to take care of any emergencies and follow up with your health concerns. Establishing a relationship with your primary care physician (PCP) is advised and necessary in order to have all of your medical needs met.

Many insurance plans require referrals from your established PCP before they will cover visits from a specialist. This is starting to become common practice with insurance companies, so even if you do not currently have that requirement with your plan it would be wise to establish with a family doctor or internal medicine doctor now in order to avoid any conflict or headache in the future.

Community Resources

Are you in need of other resources? The following page of Community Resources is a list to provide you with additional online mental and physical health care information. The following is not meant to be a comprehensive list nor is it and endorsement of the content of the sites. Contact your provider if you require additional resources.

Our Providers

Brock Aldrich, DO
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Layne Barker, MD
FAMILY MEDICINE
Syracuse
Glen Biddulph, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Darin Checketts, DO, FACP
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Justin Mansfield, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Robert Taylor, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Tyler Williams, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Jami Oviatt, FNP
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Val Warner, PA-C
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A
Shelly McCormick, APRN, FNP-BC
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Layton Antelope A

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