What Is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine is set apart from family medicine in that it focuses on the health and diseases that affect adults. It is also known as general medicine. Internists who practice internal medicine focus on preventative care to help their adult patients maintain optimal health. They also diagnose and treat any conditions as they arise. When you are considering the best primary care provider as a partner in your health, you want to choose an individual who is best suited for the job. When a child needs a doctor, a pediatrician is trained specifically for the needs of young ones up to the age of twenty-one. A family doctor treats a broader spectrum of patients, including children and adults. If you want someone who is highly trained in the area of adult health, an internist is your best option.

When you look at the field of internal medicine, you will see that there are many specialty areas that target specific concerns in the body. Pulmonology focuses on the lungs while endocrinology targets the glands and hormones in the body. Gastroenterology revolves around the digestive system. Cardiology is the area devoted to cardiovascular health. Hematology focuses on the blood while hepatology targets the liver. Oncology is the area devoted to treating cancer. Rheumatology focuses on the immune system while nephrology is devoted to the kidneys. You’ll also find specialists in the area of geriatric, or elderly, care, allergies, and infectious diseases. When you visit your internist, you may be referred to another doctor who specializes in a particular field that is a concern for you.

Regardless of who you choose to be your doctor, you need someone who gives you confidence. You want to know that your physician is carefully evaluating your health with skill and experience. If there are any concerns, they need to be addressed and monitored. Being sent to a specialist is no cause for alarm. it simply means you are being sent to an internist who focuses on one particular area. This can give you more advanced options in care. Your healthcare team works together to find answers for any questions that you may have. Whether you are seeing a family doctor, an internist, or a rheumatologist, your health is the top priority.

If you are an adult and you don’t have a doctor now, it’s time to start seeing an internist. Your regular visits on an annual basis will help you to keep your health on track. If you have any type of issue, it’s best to treat it as soon as possible. Ignoring problems inside your body only opens the door to bigger problems.

Contact Cardiac Associates of North Jersey to schedule your consultation today! We are located in Oakland, NJ.