Internal medicine doctors, also known as internists, have specialized training in all aspects of adult medical care: in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the entire range of diseases that affect patients from 18 years of age through the geriatric years.
Internal medicine doctors are primary care physicians, which means they are the first—and often, the single—point of contact for patients with undiagnosed health concerns. Internal medicine doctors provide continuing care in both ambulatory and hospital settings.
Let’s get a better insight into what internal medicine doctors do by learning about the conditions they treat and the procedures they perform.
Conditions Treated by Internal Medicine Doctors
Internal medicine doctors are experts in the treatment and management of the full spectrum of acute and chronic medical conditions, namely:
- Acute conditions (flu, common cold, bronchitis, strep throat, pneumonia, etc.)
- Arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions
- Blood disorders (anemia, hemophilia, etc.)
- Cardiovascular diseases (coronary artery disease, heart failure, etc.)
- Diabetes
- Digestive disorders (inflammatory bowel disease, ulcer, gastritis, etc.)
- Hypertension
- Immunologic disorders (allergies, asthma, etc.)
- Infectious diseases (hepatitis, tuberculosis, HIV, etc.)
- Kidney problems (chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, etc.)
- Neurological conditions (migraines, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
- Pulmonary diseases (lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.)
- Thyroid conditions and dysfunctions of the endocrine system
Procedures Performed by Internal Medicine Doctors
As mentioned, internal medicine doctors are also trained to provide preventive healthcare services. These include vaccinations, nutritional counseling, wellness checkups, and screenings for common health problems.
Internal medicine doctors also perform the preoperative evaluation. Patients may have preexisting conditions that may lead to complications during the surgery. An internist ensures the safety of the patient by assessing these conditions and determining whether these are contraindications for the surgery.
Internal medicine doctors routinely administer or conduct the following:
Adult Vaccines
- Diphtheria and tetanus
- Flu
- Hepatitis A & B
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Pneumococcal
- Shingles
- Whooping cough (pertussis)
Therapeutic Injections for Pain Management
- Cortisone shots
- Trigger point injections
Diagnostic Procedures and Health Screenings
- Blood pressure and cholesterol screening
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Hormone tests
- Mammogram
- Screenings for gynecological cancers
Minor Office Procedures
- Removal of foreign bodies from eyes and skin
- Abscess drainage
- Laceration repair
- Excision of skin lesions
- Simple fracture care
- Skin Biopsies
Internal Medicine Doctors in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida
If you’re looking to partner with an internal medicine doctor in Sarasota or Bradenton as your primary care physician, visit us at Intercoastal Medical Group. Our team of highly skilled medical providers includes board-certified internal medicine doctors who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to the men and women in our community.
Send us an appointment request today by filling out this online form.
