Many people might become confused about the difference between an internist and a PCP. While an internist is highly educated, trained, and skilled, there are some key differences between primary care providers and internists.
PCPs and GPs cover a broad spectrum of medical care. On the other hand, an internist usually provides care in specific areas and for particular people:
What Is An Internist?
Also known as an internal medicine doctor, an internist is a specialist doctor who provides diagnostics, preventative care, and chronic illness management for many internal bodily issues. Furthermore, they usually specialize in cardiology, rheumatology, pulmonology, and gastroenterology.
Additionally, unlike standard primary care providers and general practitioners, internists only treat patients over the age of 18. Furthermore, while at medical school, they do not undertake extra training for children and adolescents’ specific treatments. However, this doesn’t mean that internists are less knowledgeable than PCPs or GPs. In fact, in some cases, they are more necessary since they specialize in specific issues.
What An Internist Can Do
An interest can treat a wide variety of issues, mainly because of their excellent training and education with illnesses and healthcare. The range of treatments provided by an internist is broad and can be simple such as checkups, or complex, such as pulmonology and the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of it.
Essentially, if you were to be referred by your GP to a pulmonologist, the pulmonologist may, in fact, be an internist. This is because internists are specialists in a particular field of internal medicine rather than covering a broad spectrum of medical care as with a GP.
When You Should See an Internist
Since internists cover mostly everything a PCP does, it is a good idea to visit one anytime you have trouble with your health. If you are already suffering from a chronic disease requiring special care and management, then it is a good idea to find an internist who can treat you.
Internal issues such as chest pain or muscle strain are reasons for an internist since they are internal ailments that require special knowledge.
Essentially, the difference between an Internist and a PCP isn’t vast. In essence, an internist will provide basic medical care before diagnosing and treating any issues that you might have. You will usually be given a routine medical examination such as listening to the heart and breathing, checking skin and posture, and possibly extra screening tests before specific treatment can begin. It’s important to note that many internal medicine clinics, such as Aqeeq Internal medicine, actually provide primary care alongside their internal medicine services. However, these services are only for those 18 and older.
We hope you were better able to understand the difference between an internist and a PCP. If you are seeking help from an internist, you have come to the right place! Aqeeq Internal Medicine can help with all your internal medicine and primary care needs. Located in Houston, Texas, we work hard to ensure you feel comfortable visiting us for your medical needs. To learn more about what we can do to help, call us today at 832-786-8195.