Yes, an internist can be your primary care physician. Internists are trained to provide primary care for adults and are considered primary care physicians. Many adults choose internists as their main doctor because they focus only on adult health needs.

This article will help you understand what makes internists different from other doctors. You’ll learn when an internist might be the right choice for you. We’ll also cover what services they provide and how they compare to family doctors.

What Is An Internist?

The Basic Definition

An internist is a medical professional who specializes in adult medicine and is trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illnesses, and help patients with multiple, complex chronic conditions. They are also called internal medicine doctors.

The name “internal medicine” comes from their focus on internal organs and body systems. Internists specialize in diseases of the internal organs (like the heart, kidney, liver, and lungs) and systems (like your respiratory system and your digestive system).

Training And Education

Becoming an internist takes years of special training. After medical school, internal medicine doctors complete a three-year residency focused on adult care without further training in pediatric or obstetric care.

According to the American College of Physicians, basic training in internal medicine is three years of residency following medical school, and following completion of three years of training, residents are eligible for board certification in internal medicine. This deep training makes them experts in adult health problems.

What Makes Internists Special

Internists are particularly skilled in reviewing the symptoms of patients with complex problems, performing physical exams, ordering diagnostic tests, and using this information to identify both common and rare illnesses. They are like medical detectives.

The American College of Physicians notes that they are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time. Internal medicine physicians are known as the “doctor’s doctor” because they are often called upon by other medical professionals for their ability to connect the dots and help solve problems.

How Internists Work As Primary Care Doctors

Their Role As Your Main Doctor

Primary care involves first-contact care for people with an undiagnosed symptom, sign, or health concern; care for individuals which is not organ- or problem- specific; longitudinal or continuous care; and responsibility for coordinating other health services related to a patient’s care.

Internists can handle all these duties for adult patients. Internists follow patients over the course of their lives — from young adulthood through old age — and establish long relationships with their patients.

Services They Provide

As primary care doctors, internists offer many services:

• Annual check-ups and physical exams
• Preventive care like vaccines and screenings
• Treatment for common illnesses like colds and infections
• Management of chronic diseases
• Coordination with specialists when needed
• Health counseling and wellness advice

You’re an adult seeking the routine physicals, screenings and tests required to help you stay healthy. Internists can provide all these services.

Building Long-Term Relationships

Patients often have long relationships with their internists, since they help patients with so many different types of ailments. This relationship helps them understand your health history and needs better over time.

Who Should Choose An Internist As Their Primary Care Doctor?

Adults With Complex Health Needs

Sometimes, people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure or diabetes choose an internist as a primary care provider because he or she can easily coordinate with other doctors if more complex care is needed.

This is especially important when you consider that 6 in 10 Americans have at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 have two or more chronic diseases. If you have multiple health problems or hard-to-diagnose symptoms, an internist might be your best choice. Because of their specialized education and training, internists are exceptionally suited for treating patients with multiple medical problems, understanding how these illnesses, their medications, and their treatments interact, and adjusting the plan of care to best suit the individual patient’s needs.

Healthy Adults Who Want Expert Care

People who are healthy also choose internists because they want a physician who can help them as their health needs change. Even if you feel fine now, having an internist means you’re ready for any health issues that might come up as you get older.

Adults Who Prefer Focused Care

Some adults like having a doctor who focuses only on adult health. Internal medicine doctors are different from other primary care doctors because they only care for adults. This focus means they really understand adult health needs.

When You Have Chronic Conditions

If you have complex medical conditions or chronic illnesses, consider establishing a relationship with an internist. Common conditions internists help manage include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Lung problems
• Kidney disease
• Arthritis
• Thyroid disorders

Internist Vs Family Doctor: Key Differences

Age Range Of Patients

This is the biggest difference between the two types of doctors. Internal medicine doctors see patients 18 and over, while family medicine doctors can see patients of all ages.

Family doctors can treat everyone from babies to grandparents. Internists focus only on adults, usually starting at age 18.

Training Focus

Internal medicine focuses only on adults. To treat children, an internist needs pediatric training along with their internal medicine training.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, general internal medicine physicians diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for a range of problems that affect internal organs and systems such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, and digestive tract. Family practice residents usually receive approximately one year of that same inpatient training and then split the remaining two years of training among pediatrics, OB/GYN, and other outpatient medical disciplines.

Depth Vs Breadth

Internists have deep knowledge about adult health problems. Family doctors have broader knowledge that covers all ages but may not go as deep into complex adult conditions.

Primary care physicians concentrate on providing comprehensive, preventive care for people of all ages, whereas internists address complex and chronic illnesses in adults.

Hospital Care

Many internists end up working in hospitals, while most family medicine doctors work in outpatient settings. Some internists work only in hospitals (called hospitalists), while others work in both clinics and hospitals.

What Conditions Do Internists Treat?

Common Adult Health Problems

Internists can treat most health issues that affect adults. Internists can treat minor issues like a sinus infection or broken wrist. They can also treat and supervise treatment for more serious conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and high cholesterol.

They handle both simple problems and complex diseases. This makes them good primary care doctors for adults who want one doctor to manage most of their health needs.

Chronic Disease Management

Certain long-term health problems require the expertise and thorough disease management skills of internal medicine physicians. This expertise is crucial since chronic diseases are significant health concerns – chronic diseases represent one of the nation’s leading causes of disability and drivers of the nation’s $4.1 trillion in annual health care spending.

Internists are experts at managing:

• Multiple medications
• Disease interactions
• Symptom monitoring
• Treatment adjustments
• Specialist coordination

Preventive Care

Even though internists are known for treating complex problems, they also focus on keeping you healthy. They provide:

• Regular health screenings
• Vaccine updates
• Lifestyle counseling
• Risk factor management
• Early disease detection

Benefits Of Choosing An Internist

Expert Adult Care

Internal Medicine physicians see the big picture. Their deep training and knowledge of the entire human body and its organ systems give them a unique perspective of how everything works in unison.

This big-picture view helps them understand how different health problems might be connected. They can spot patterns that other doctors might miss.

Problem-Solving Skills

They are often called upon by other medical professionals for their ability to connect the dots and help solve problems. This skill is helpful when you have symptoms that are hard to explain.

Coordination With Specialists

Internists work well with specialist doctors. Their training also enables them to effectively interact with internal medicine subspecialty colleagues in co-managing complex patients (such as those with organ transplants, cancer, or autoimmune disease).

This means better care coordination if you need to see multiple doctors.

Long-Term Relationships

They provide comprehensive, longitudinal patient care. They have life-long relationships with adult patients, and their recommendations are based on each patient’s unique situation.

Finding The Right Internist For You

What To Look For

When choosing an internist as your primary care doctor, consider these factors:

• Board certification in internal medicine
• Experience with your health conditions
• Hospital affiliations in your area
• Communication style that fits your needs
• Office location and hours

Questions To Ask

Before choosing an internist, ask about:

• Their experience with patients like you
• How they handle urgent care needs
• Their approach to preventive care
• How they coordinate with specialists
• Office policies and procedures

Insurance Considerations

Make sure your chosen internist accepts your insurance. Most insurance plans will recognize both these types of specialists as PCPs for co-pay and billing purposes.

Check if you need a referral to see specialists. Some insurance plans require referrals from your primary care doctor.

Common Misconceptions About Internists

“They Only Treat Sick People”

Many people think internists only treat very sick patients. This isn’t true. You want a doctor that can address everything from preventive care to serious illness.

Internists provide the full range of primary care services, from routine check-ups to complex disease management.

“They’re Too Specialized”

Some people worry that internists are too focused on specific diseases. Actually, they are not limited to one type of medical problem or organ system.

General internists treat the whole person, not just one body system.

“Family Doctors Are Better For Primary Care”

Both internists and family doctors can be excellent primary care physicians. The choice depends on your personal needs and preferences.

They are both capable of diagnosing and treating many conditions and both will guide you in preventing disease and detecting health problems early while they’re still treatable.

Making Your Decision

Consider Your Life Stage

If you’re an adult who doesn’t plan to have children, or if your children already have their own doctors, an internist might be perfect for you.

You want a doctor that can address everything from preventive care to serious illness, but are not looking for delivery or newborn care.

Think About Your Health Needs

Do you have chronic conditions that need expert management? Are you worried about developing complex health problems as you age? An internist’s deep adult health knowledge might be what you need.

Personal Preferences Matter

Some people prefer having one doctor for the whole family. Others like having a doctor who focuses only on adult health. Both choices are valid.

The most important thing is finding a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with.

Working With Your Internist

Building A Good Relationship

Once you choose an internist as your primary care doctor, work on building a strong relationship:

• Be honest about your symptoms and concerns
• Follow their treatment recommendations
• Keep scheduled appointments
• Ask questions when you don’t understand something
• Update them on any changes in your health

Making The Most Of Your Visits

To get the best care from your internist:

• Prepare a list of questions before your visit
• Bring all your medications to appointments
• Share your family health history
• Discuss your health goals and concerns
• Follow up on test results and referrals

Final Thoughts

Yes, an internist can definitely be your primary care physician. They provide comprehensive healthcare for adults, from routine check-ups to managing complex diseases. Their deep training in adult medicine makes them excellent primary care doctors for many people.

The choice between an internist and a family doctor depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you’re an adult looking for expert care focused on adult health issues, an internist might be the perfect choice for you.

Remember, the most important thing is finding a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. Whether you choose an internist, family doctor, or another type of primary care physician, having a regular doctor is key to staying healthy.

At Yorktown Health, our experienced internists provide comprehensive primary care for adults. We’re here to help you manage your health from routine annual physicals to chronic disease management. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your health journey.