Internal medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases, encompassing a wide range of conditions affecting internal organs. When issues specifically involve the digestive system, patients are often referred to a gastroenterologist for specialized care. Understanding the difference between internal medicine and gastroenterology can help you determine which specialist to see for your specific health needs.
What Internal Medicine Doctors Do
Internal medicine doctors, also called internists, are primary care doctors for adults. These doctors treat various health problems and work to keep adults healthy. Internists handle common health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. They also give regular checkups, shots, and health screenings. Many internists help with weight management and treat conditions like asthma and allergies. These doctors are trained to identify health problems early and know when to refer patients to specialists for further help.
What Do Gastroenterologists Treat?
Gastroenterologists are doctors who specialize in the digestive system. This includes your stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and other organs that help digest food. They have special training to diagnose and treat problems with these body parts.
These specialists handle conditions such as acid reflux, stomach pain, liver disease, and inflammatory bowel conditions. They also perform procedures like colonoscopies to check for colon cancer and upper endoscopies to examine the stomach and esophagus. Gastroenterologists use specialized tools and tests to examine your digestive tract and treat problems that need specialized care.
How Do the Fields Differ?
The main difference between these doctors is the breadth of their practices. Internal medicine doctors treat a wide range of health problems in adults. Gastroenterologists treat only problems of digestion and related organs.
Internists are usually your first stop when you have health concerns. They can treat the common adult health problems and help prevent serious diseases. Gastroenterologists are specialists you see when you have specific digestive symptoms that need expert care.
Both types of doctors complete medical school and residency training. Gastroenterologists complete further training, called a fellowship, to learn more about digestive diseases. The extra education helps them handle complex stomach and intestinal problems that internists may not see very often.
When Should You See Each Specialist?
You should see an internist for regular checkups, vaccines, and common health problems. Make an appointment with an internal medicine doctor if you need help managing diabetes, high blood pressure, or other ongoing conditions. They’re also good for sudden illnesses, such as infections or injuries.
Visit a gastroenterologist if you have ongoing stomach pain, heartburn that won’t go away, or changes in your bowel movements. You should also see one if you need a colonoscopy for cancer screening or if you have been diagnosed with liver disease or inflammatory bowel conditions. Your internist will sometimes refer you to a gastroenterologist. This happens when your digestive symptoms are too complex or when you need special procedures. Both doctors often collaborate to provide you with the best possible care.
Consult an Internal Medicine Specialist
Internists provide comprehensive adult healthcare for many conditions, while gastroenterologists specialize in digestive problems. If you need routine adult healthcare or help managing chronic conditions, start with an internist. They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to specialists when needed. Contact a qualified internist near you today to schedule your consultation.
