Internists are medical doctors specializing in internal medicine, which focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing adult diseases. Their broad knowledge of the body’s interconnected systems allows them to provide comprehensive, long-term care for a wide range of medical problems. Here is more information about their role in chronic disease management:
Customizing Care Plan
After diagnosing a condition, an internist can develop a customized care plan adjusted to the patient’s specific health needs and circumstances. This plan is a dynamic document; it evolves as the patient’s health status changes. Because chronic diseases require ongoing management, the care plan outlines treatment, monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments.
The physician typically defines treatment goals, and they prescribe medications or other therapies. The plan may also incorporate the patient’s personal preferences and lifestyle, which provides a collaborative approach to health management. This detailed planning helps in systematically addressing the complexities of chronic illness.
Providing ECG and EKG Screenings
Electrocardiograms, also called ECGs or EKGs, are non-invasive tests used to record the heart’s electrical signals. Since many chronic conditions can affect the heart, an internist may perform screenings to detect problems. The test provides a snapshot of the heart’s rhythm and function, and it is a standard diagnostic tool in an internist’s office.
Managing Multiple Conditions
Many adults, especially older ones, experience multimorbidity, meaning they have more than one chronic condition. Internists are specifically trained to manage patients with multiple, complex health issues simultaneously. They understand how different diseases and their treatments interact, which allows them to create a cohesive management strategy that addresses the patient’s health holistically. This coordination helps prevent conflicting treatments and reduces the risk of adverse effects.
An internist acts as a central point of contact for the patient’s care. They coordinate with other specialists, and they synthesize information from various sources into a single, manageable plan. This role is particularly helpful for patients who might otherwise struggle to navigate a fragmented healthcare system with multiple providers.
The management of multiple conditions requires a deep understanding of pharmacology. An internist carefully reviews all medications a patient is taking, including prescriptions from other doctors and over-the-counter drugs, to avoid negative interactions. They adjust dosages and medications as needed, and they monitor for side effects, providing a layer of oversight for the patient’s entire medication regimen.
Monitoring Disease Progression
An internist regularly monitors a patient’s chronic condition to track its progression and the effectiveness of the current treatment plan. This monitoring is typically accomplished through a combination of physical exams, laboratory tests, and patient-reported symptoms. Adjustments to the care plan can be made based on this data, with key indicators being:
- Blood pressure readings
- Blood glucose levels
- Cholesterol panels
These check-ins provide an opportunity to discuss any new symptoms or concerns, and they allow the internist to assess the patient’s overall health trajectory.
Visit an Internist Today
An internist plays a central role in the long-term management of chronic disease through personalized care planning, coordination among specialists, and continuous monitoring. They use established diagnostic methods to guide treatment, and they adapt their approach based on the patient’s evolving health needs. If you are managing a chronic condition, schedule a consultation with an internist to discuss a care plan for your specific health requirements.
