InternistNew York, NY
An internist is a medical doctor trained to treat adults for various chronic and acute conditions. Also known as doctors of internal medicine, internists often act as primary care physicians. These doctors can oversee a patient's basic healthcare and refer them to specialists when needed.
Dr. Marina Gafanovich is an internist serving patients in her Upper East Side Manhattan office. She is a leading internist in the New York area dedicated to helping her patients stay healthy and make the most out of their lives. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, call 212-548-3263 today.
What is an Internist
An internist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats disease and provides ongoing care. They can offer their services as primary care providers or get additional training to specialize in a certain area of medicine. Unlike a family doctor, an internist treats adults exclusively.
When acting as primary care physicians, they play a huge role in preventative care—a key component in keeping patients healthy. Some confuse the term internist with the term intern. However, they are not the same. An intern refers to a doctor in their first year of medical training.
Education and Training
There is extensive education and training involved in becoming an internist. It starts with a four-year undergraduate degree. Four years at a medical school follow their undergraduate education.
After medical school, they must complete a three-year residency. Then, they must pass an exam to become certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Internists that wish to become specialized in a particular area of medicine will go on to complete another one to three years of education and training in their specialty.
Benefits of Seeing an Internist as a Primary Care Doctor
Internists are skilled at acting as primary care providers. They can recognize and treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. In addition, regularly seeing an internist can help patients avoid developing health conditions in the future. An internist can also catch warning signs and symptoms of a disease early when it is easier to treat.
Patients will develop a regular relationship with this doctor and have someone they can talk to about any health concerns that arise. They will also have a knowledgeable doctor they can go to for overall diet, exercise, and lifestyle advice. Having an internist keep track of a patient's general health and offer advice often results in better overall health for the patient and better treatment outcomes.
Common Service an Internist Offers
In addition to helping their patients with overall healthcare advice, an internist can provide and oversee annual checkups, physical exams, and related screenings for adults of all ages. They have expertise in treating common problems in adults from age 18 to 65+ such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
An internist can help patients manage acute and chronic conditions, infections, and injuries. They can monitor their patients' medications to ensure there is no potential for harmful drug interactions. Also, internists typically have a strong network of specialists they can refer patients to if the patient's problem falls outside their area of expertise.
What to Expect at the First Visit
There is a lot to cover in the first appointment with a new internist, especially if they will be serving as the patient's primary care doctor. Usually, the patient will have to fill out a new patient information form. This form will give the doctor a good overall snapshot of the patient. However, they will need to talk to the patient to ensure they have all the important health information.
A member of our team will get the patient's weight and check their vital signs. This is followed by a discussion with the internist about the patient's personal and family health history, along with any current medical concerns and medications. The physical exam follows and usually involves the following:
- Checking the patient’s posture, appearance, and basic movement
- Checking the ear nose and throat
- Listening to the patient’s heart for irregularities
- Checking the patient’s breathing for crackles, wheezing, or shortness of breath
Labs and diagnostic tests may also become necessary, depending on the physical exam and the information collected from the patient.
Schedule a Visit Today
Dr. Marina Gafanovich is an internist serving patients at her Upper East Side Manhattan office. She is accepting new patients and looks forward to helping you optimize your health. Call our office at 212-249-6218 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internist
Q. How should I prepare for my first appointment?
A. Have your insurance card with you and your photo ID. It is good to bring any medical information that might be helpful in giving the doctor a complete picture of your health.
Q. Do internists treat children?
A. The short answer is no. In rare cases, an internist can treat children if they have the proper training in pediatrics. However, internists almost exclusively treat adults.
Q. How can I find the right internist for me?
A. Thanks to the internet, it is easy for patients to find a list of internists in their area. Usually, there are patient reviews readily available as well. If possible, it is good to get recommendations from friends or family that may have direct experience with an internist they recommend.
Q. Why should I choose an internist as my primary care provider?
A. For adults, an internist is an excellent choice as a primary care provider. They have thorough experience treating common conditions that affect adults, such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. In addition, these doctors are well equipped to coordinate your care and refer you to specialists when needed.
Q. How can I determine if a particular internist is in my insurance network?
A. The doctor's office should be able to give you a list of insurance providers they accept. However, we recommend patients contact their insurance providers directly. This way, a patient can confirm their insurance is accepted and learn other important details about their plan.
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