We hear of people “going to the doctor” – but if you don’t have your own doctor, how do you know what kind of doctor to choose?
An internist – also called a doctor of internal medicine, or a general practitioner – focuses on providing adults with medical care that will help them achieve total health and wellness. Let’s talk about some of the many benefits of partnering with a general practitioner as your go-to doctor, and where you can go here in the North Bethesda area for outstanding medical care to keep you healthy for a lifetime.
How Is an Internal Medicine Doctor Different from Other Doctors?
An internist is trained to care for a person through adulthood, and the specialty is as a primary care physician (PCP). Your internist will ensure that you are well-educated in ongoing disease prevention and health maintenance. They provide the full breadth of medical care for your physical and emotional well-being, including all of your immunizations and addressing any underlying health conditions. They will also recommend and prescribe screenings as necessary, such as a colonoscopy at the proper age.
This general practitioner is indeed a generalist, collecting and analyzing all reports from any outside medical services you receive, including from specialists such as a gynecologist, urologist, neurologist, psychologist, endocrinologist, and so on. This doctor will also make sure that any medications you are prescribed do not have any contraindications with other medications you are taking, which means that they would work against each other in your body. The physician will also have in your file the statuses of your close blood-related family members’ health (parents, siblings, children) to keep track of any possible susceptibilities.
An internist is different from medical specialists who focus on one area or system of the body. Indeed, your general practitioner might refer you to a specialist if you require further investigation and possible treatment for a specific health condition, such as diabetes or a neurological condition.
Why Do I Need an Internist?
This is the doctor who you will see for your annual checkup. These physicians focus on diagnosing and treating health issues such as:
- Allergies and skin disorders
- Common diseases such as sore throat, colds, pinkeye, and earache
- Symptoms such as headache, diarrhea, and nausea
- Infections of the urinary tract, sinuses, and other systems
- Heart, lung, and cardiovascular/circulation issues
- Sprains, strains, arthritis, and other orthopedic issues
- Anxiety, depression, and mood disorders
Physicians who are general practitioners are your first line of defense when it comes to your health. They address most healthcare needs directly.
Primary Care Doctor in North Bethesda, MD
If you still don’t have a primary doctor, it is time to find one. Here at North Bethesda Primary Care, we provide preventive care, acute and urgent care, chronic illness care, and thorough health checkups.
Ours is a concierge medical practice, meaning that you pay an affordable annual fee for the ability to contact a doctor at all times of the day or night for any medical concerns you have. This can be crucial if you have a chronic health condition or a susceptibility to certain illnesses.
If you have any questions or would like to request a complimentary meeting with our internal medicine physician, Dr. Adam Possner, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (301) 941-4414 or by filling out our online contact form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
