At Prestige Medical Group in North Georgia, we offer comprehensive family care services to address the internal medical needs of your entire family. Our dedicated team of family care providers and internists can treat a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses. With our convenient location, you can receive high-quality care for your whole family in one place.

What Is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine is a special area of medicine that specializes in treating adult health issues. The doctors, also referred to as internists, concentrate on the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many different illnesses and medical conditions. Internists are highly trained professionals who are equipped to handle the complexities of adult healthcare and play a crucial role in promoting the well-being of their patients.

History of Internal Medicine

Although internal medicine is often defined as the medical specialty that primarily focuses on the care of adult patients, its origins, rich history, and distinctive features contribute significantly to its importance in modern medicine.

The development of basic medical sciences like physiology, pathology, and bacteriology made significant strides during the late nineteenth century in Germany, which is where internal medicine has its roots. During this time, a group of progressive medical professionals emerged who were committed to using these fundamental principles in patient care, a departure from the largely observational and empiric approach that was then the norm.

These physicians, characterized by their “scientific attitude,” directed their efforts towards the treatment and study of “internal” diseases, those with internal organ involvement rather than external manifestations. As a result, the term “internal medicine” was created, which perfectly sums up the methodology and development of the specialty.

Throughout its history, internal medicine’s commitment to a “scientific attitude” has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries and the effective application of basic science knowledge in patient care. This dedication has played a pivotal role in advancing medical practice and continues to shape the ever-evolving landscape of internal medicine today.

What Is the Difference Between Internal Medicine and General/Family Medicine?

Internal medicine doctors have a specialized focus on adult healthcare. They are experts in preventing, diagnosing, and treating complex medical conditions that affect adults. On the other hand, general/family practice doctors provide comprehensive care to people of all ages, including children. They cover a wide range of health issues, with a strong emphasis on preventive care.

Our family care services cover a variety of examinations, including:

  • Annual exams
  • Employer biometric screening
  • DOT exams
  • Pre-employment and sports physicals

What is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine focuses on the study, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions that primarily affect the internal organs. This means internists deal with various health issues like heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and lung disease. It’s common for these specialists to care for individuals dealing with intricate, chronic, and multisystem disorders.

Internists might work closely with doctors from different medical fields or offer consultations for patients referred by other specialists, depending on their specific subspecialties.

Their expertise covers a wide range of conditions, including cancer, infections, heart problems, kidney issues, joint disorders, and respiratory ailments. Some examples of specific conditions they deal with are acute bronchitis, acute myocardial infarction, urinary tract obstruction, and viral encephalitis.

Why See a Family Medicine Provider?

Family care physicians possess comprehensive training in the ongoing care of patients, whether they are in good health, managing chronic conditions, or dealing with allergies. They offer consultations for children and adults and prescribe medications for common ailments such as colds, flu, sore throats, earaches, allergies, and stomach aches.

Their primary focus is disease prevention and promoting overall health in children and adults, striving to ensure each patient’s well-being. If an family medical physician diagnoses a condition that requires monitoring or periodic assessment of medication reactions, they may recommend more frequent checkups to keep track of your health status.

Here are a few reasons you would need to make an appointment with an family care physician:

You’re Constantly Tired

Persistent fatigue warrants investigation, as it could be a sign of an underlying problem. Common causes of fatigue include sleep disorders, an underactive thyroid, or anemia. Identifying the root cause is essential for proper management.

You Have Difficulties Breathing

Breathing problems may result from specific conditions like asthma or pneumonia. Additional symptoms, such as coughing, chills, and fever, may accompany respiratory issues caused by pneumonia.

You Have Persistent Digestive Problems

Digestive issues may be linked to various diseases affecting the digestive tract, ranging from lactose intolerance to more serious conditions like cancer. A timely diagnosis is crucial to exploring appropriate treatment options.

You Have Chronic Pain

Chronic pain often indicates an underlying health condition. Family care physicians not only treat patients with chronic pain but also address the root cause of the ongoing discomfort. Common conditions leading to chronic pain include osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

If you are encountering any of the mentioned signs or experiencing other symptoms that warrant a visit to a doctor, make sure to jot down any questions you may have and bring them along with you to your appointment.

What to Expect At Your Appointment

What happens during your visit  will change depending on the reason for your visit; however, there are a few typical steps you can expect.

During your appointment, the doctor will check your vital signs. They’ll then go over your medical history and any prescriptions you may take. Following that, they will ask you about your symptoms and general health before conducting a physical exam. This is so the doctor can get a complete picture of your health.

In cases where you are seeing other specialists, your physician may collaborate with them to coordinate your overall care and ensure there are no medication interactions. 

Our team of board-certified physicians are highly recognized medical professionals who are committed to giving you the best care possible. If you would like to learn more about us or schedule an appointment, contact us today. We look forward to serving you and being your team for life!