Internal Medicine

Internists treat a broad range of adult conditions including diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney disease, liver disorders, autoimmune conditions, infections, and manage patients with multiple coexisting chronic diseases.

Internal medicine focuses exclusively on adult patients and is trained to handle complex, multi-system diseases. General practitioners see patients of all ages and manage a broader scope of conditions including minor surgical procedures and pediatric care.

See an internist for unexplained symptoms, management of chronic conditions, comprehensive health evaluations, diagnostic workups for complex problems, or when you need a physician experienced in coordinating care across multiple specialties.

Yes, many internists perform procedures such as joint aspiration, skin biopsies, lumbar punctures, central line placement, and interpretation of ECGs and pulmonary function tests. Some subspecialize in areas like gastroenterology or cardiology for advanced procedures.

An internist may work in outpatient clinics, hospitals, or both. A hospitalist is an internist who specifically focuses on managing hospitalized patients, coordinating in-patient care, and handling acute medical conditions that require admission.