Internal medicine deals with the diagnosis of adult diseases.
Internal medicine doctors (medical professionals who have completed an internal medicine residency program) use a detailed process to diagnose the underlying cause of disease-related symptoms in patients. It is helpful to understand the diagnosis process when visiting an internal medicine doctor for the first time.
Each patient is unique, and the ways in which an internal medicine doctor diagnosis a disease may vary. However, there are certain procedures that are more common in the internal medicine diagnostic process than others.
The following are four common methods used to diagnose illnesses in internal medicine.
The first thing an internal medicine doctor is likely to do is document the patient's symptoms. He or she is likely to do so by asking the patient detailed questions about what issues they have been facing, how prevalent the symptoms appear and the severity of the symptoms when they exist. The internal medicine doctor is also likely to ask questions about the patient’s previous medical history and medications they currently take.
Many internal medicine doctors may also conduct a physical examination of the patient. Of course, physical examination plays a much smaller role in diagnosis with internal medicine as the issue most commonly resides inside the patient, rather than the patient having noticeable physical symptoms. However, certain adult diseases do show physical symptoms, such as in the case of cancer where there are lumps felt underneath the skin.
A wellness screening involves blood testing, urine samples and other testing procedures. The wellness test gives a good indication of the patient’s general health. It may also reveal specific information that helps with a more precise diagnosis. Among other potential health complications, an internal medicine doctor might order a wellness screening to check the patient’s blood pressure, cholesterol levels and to test for certain diseases.
A wellness screening is completely non-invasive and does not take long for an internist to complete.
It is important to keep in mind that internal medicine is a broad definition. There are many different sub-specialties within internal medicine, such as cardiology, gastroenterology and endocrinology. Medical professionals within each specialty likely use their own precise testing procedures depending on the area of the body they study. While certain tests, such as blood testing, are constant across all sub-areas, certain procedures, such as the use of an electrocardiogram, might be specific to a specialty.
Internal medicine has evolved throughout the years. It helps many adults with a disease receive a quick diagnosis and effective treatment. Internal medicine deals with the prevention of diseases as well.
If you are interested in learning more about internal medicine or experience symptoms that cause concern and want to start the diagnosis process, then consult with us here at our office and schedule a time for your first visit.
Request an appointment here: https://campmedicine.org or call Center for Adult Medicine and Preventive Care at (973) 859-9165 for an appointment in our Passaic office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Consistency in medical care is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Medical care from a reliable medical provider ensures that any existing health issues are diagnosed and treated, allowing patients to feel supported throughout their health journey. Establishing a trustworthy relationship with your healthcare providers can positively impact your health.Consistency in medical care…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…
Health centers give patients access to quality healthcare to improve physical health and promote wellness. Although wellness may seem abstract, it simply means making healthy choices that put you in a position to enjoy and live life, not just go through the motions. Here are three ways in which visiting a general practitioner at a…
A vaccination is an effective and simple protective technique against harmful ailments before you contract them. Each immunization activates the body’s natural soldiers as defenders against specific infections. Knowing why this shot is vital can motivate you to update yours. Here are four reasons a vaccination is vital.Through the years, advancements in medical technology have…
Consistency in medical care is essential for maintaining your overall health and well-being. Medical care from a reliable medical provider ensures that any existing health issues are diagnosed and treated, allowing patients to feel supported throughout their health journey. Establishing a trustworthy relationship with your healthcare providers can positively impact your health.Consistency in medical care…
Having a connection with a primary care provider is paramount for your health. These medical professionals ensure you remain healthy year-round by providing services to prevent many illnesses and conditions. These services do not always mean medications. In fact, the goal of any medical care provider is to keep your body healthy enough to sustain…