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://hoadly.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Manassas at (703) 673-1558 for an appointment in our Manassas office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
The common cold can hit you at any time, but there are points in the year when it is most prevalent. The good news is there are steps you can take to reduce your risks of getting a cold. Even if you contract a cold, you can treat the symptoms and recover. Usually, a cold…
Contracting the common cold can be easier for some people than for others. Specific risk factors increase your odds of getting sick with a cold virus. Understanding why these factors can make you sicker can help you avoid them. It could even save you a trip to the urgent care clinic. If you want to…
The common cold or allergies: many people wonder which they have when certain symptoms come up. Both can affect people of all ages and can be miserable to deal with. Viruses cause colds, while allergies are the immune system’s response to a substance. There are ways to manage colds and allergies. Still, it is helpful…
Getting the common cold is hardly an unusual occurrence. This sickness afflicts people of all ages perhaps more than any other health condition. Some people only get minor symptoms that go away within a few days. But other people can suffer significantly with a variety of ailments. It is helpful to understand what causes colds.…
The common cold can hit you at any time, but there are points in the…
Contracting the common cold can be easier for some people than for others. Specific risk…
The common cold or allergies: many people wonder which they have when certain symptoms come…
Getting the common cold is hardly an unusual occurrence. This sickness afflicts people of all…
A pap smear should be a regular part of wellness visits for people who have…
The common cold is an upper respiratory infection. It is a contagious illness you can…
