Internal medicine specialist

An internal medicine specialist is a medical specialist who deals with all the internal organs. The specialty is called internal medicine. An internal medicine specialist treats diseases of the internal organs and mainly treats adults.

What does an internal medicine specialist do?

An internal medicine specialist supports, examines and treats diseases of the internal organs, and also works to prevent them. Internal organs include the heart, lungs, blood vessels, kidneys, liver, hormones, thyroid, stomach and intestines. Conditions such as diabetes are also treated by an internal medicine specialist.

Because this is a broad field, specialists may focus on areas such as:

• Kidney diseases
• Stomach and bowel diseases
• Allergies
• Cancer
• Blood diseases
• Geriatric medicine
• Infectious diseases
• Vascular diseases

How do you see an internal medicine specialist?

You can only see one with a referral from a GP or another medical specialist. You may be asked about your symptoms when making the appointment. You do not have to answer, but this helps you get booked with the appropriate specialist.

What is a first appointment like?

The specialist first discusses your symptoms and asks about your general health and medical history. An examination follows. Tests are usually scheduled for the same day where possible, so the first appointment may last several hours.

What tests are performed?

An internal medicine specialist may perform or arrange:

• Physical examination (height, weight, blood pressure)
• Urine tests
• Blood tests
• Ultrasound
• Lung tests
• ECG
• CT scan
• MRI scan

Not all results are usually available immediately. A follow-up appointment is arranged once they are available, and a treatment plan is prepared.

What treatments are provided?

Treatment may involve medication or lifestyle advice. If surgery is needed, the specialist refers you elsewhere, as they do not perform surgery. They often remain your main contact throughout treatment, especially when there is no single cause or the condition is chronic, coordinating the entire hospital care pathway.

How can you prepare for your first visit?

• Write down your symptoms and medical history. The specialist will ask many questions, and writing everything down beforehand helps you remember it all.
• Write down your own questions.
• Bring someone with you, as a lot of information is provided during the first visit.
• Consider your clothing. Exposing an arm is usually sufficient, but an ultrasound may require you to remove your top.