An internist is a physician who focuses on internal medicine, which pertains to adults’ internal organs and bodily systems. General internists treat chronic ailments while others receive additional training to prepare them for a career in cardiology or other specialties. Internists can opt to see patients only at their practices or be flexible and visit patients in various care facilities like hospices. A Fort Worth internist can help you understand the root cause of your illness and start appropriate treatment.
Reasons for seeing an internist
Getting regular medical checkups and undergoing a battery of tests is the norm for most people in their quest to maintain good health. These visits are even more crucial as you advance in age and start experiencing changes in your body and overall immunity. Below are the pull factors for seeing an internist:
Family history
If you hail from a family where heart disease, thyroid conditions, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic ailments are prevalent, it is prudent to see a physician often. Share your medical history with them and bring the necessary records so they can get a comprehensive picture of your health. Having a predisposition to certain illnesses warrants seeing an internist so they can detect problems at the onset. These physicians are equipped to detect ailments even when the patient is yet to present symptoms. Early detection can prevent medical complications and ultimately prolong your life.
Genetics testing
It is not always easy to get an accurate picture of your family history regarding diseases. Some family members may have suffered and died from undiagnosed illnesses or are not forthcoming with such a diagnosis. Geographical distances and strained family relationships also complicate this discovery process, and you could miss vital information. Your designated internist will recommend genetic testing so they can unearth the possibility of complex ailments in your gene pool. These tests will also help them know how certain medications will affect you and how quickly your body will assimilate to prescriptions.
Specialized care
Internists have undergone extra medical training to go beyond rudimentary care. They will have a comprehensive outlook on your health, review all medical records, and ask detailed questions. This thorough workup equips them to manage whatever illness they face now or any condition that is likely to present itself later.
Collaborative effort
Seeing an internist does not negate the need for other specialized physicians, including surgeons, as internists do not perform surgical procedures. Their goal is to be as thorough as possible, giving you sound medical advice and collaborating with other doctors to prevent or manage diseases. For instance, someone with heart disease may need to see an endocrinologist for thyroid-related testing. If there is a need to operate, the internist will get the best surgeons on the case.
In the end, seeing an internist is a smart move that will prevent diseases and help you manage underlying conditions so they do not escalate to untreatable stages. More so, handling a problem early on will save you from hefty medical bills down the line.
