7 Tips for Choosing an Internal Medicine Specialist

Internists are primary care doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases of internal organs in adults. Choosing one is among the most vital and individual decisions you can make. When you’re hospitalized or coping with a condition, your internist’s skills and experience will play a key role in keeping you healthy. How to choose a top internist who is right for you?

Keep on reading to discover the seven crucial factors you should be aware of when looking for an internist.

1. Referrals
Consider starting by composing a list of possible internists. Try asking your friends, close relatives, and other health professionals for suggestions. When narrowing down your list, call each internist’s clinic and schedule a consultation to meet and talk with a specialist.

2. Credentials
The most crucial factor to keep in mind when looking for an internal medicine doctor is board certification. Board certification guarantees that a specialist has the training, experience, and knowledge required to provide health care in internal medicine. Besides, check whether the internist has any history of negligence claims or corrective action.

3. Experience
Experience plays a huge role when it comes to your well-being. The more the potential internist is experienced in performing procedures or treating conditions, the more quick and effective your treatment will be. Ask whether the internist has ever treated any people with your specific disease. If surgical treatment is or may be needed, ask how many surgeries the specialist has performed and what are the complications they have faced.

4. Gender
When discussing private information with your internist it’s crucial to be comfortable with their gender. When it comes to specific kinds of internal medicine care, like heart care, your own gender is also a critical factor to consider. Ask about the internist’s current experience and knowledge specifically related to your problem or condition.

5. Telehealth capabilities
Diagnosing and treating your condition can involve the use of distance communications, including two-way video, emails, and smartphones. This remote health care is called telehealth. Ask whether the internist can provide it. Telehealth isn’t a substitute for in-person appointments, but for most people, it can reduce the number of trips to the internist’s office. Certain diseases can be managed by collecting vital signs and symptoms yourself and sending them to your doctor. Telehealth is also a great option for having routine follow-ups and discussing minor complaints. Don’t forget to determine whether your telehealth services are covered by your insurance plan.

6. Communication style
You’ll most likely see your internist regularly. Hence, make sure you’re comfortable talking with your specialist and that they provide all essential information clearly and simply. During your first visit to an internist, pay attention to the way the specialist answers your questions. Make sure your questions are welcomed and answered in a way you can understand. Besides, make sure that the specialist spends enough time with you and doesn’t try to rush your appointment. Remember that an internal medicine specialist should be interested in getting to know you, respects your decisions, and considers your preferences.

7. Patient reviews
Reading what other people have to say about an internist might give you an idea of how they perform medicine and run a medical practice. In most patient reviews, users are asked about their experiences with making appointments, waiting times, the office environment, and the kindness of the office employees. You can find out how many patients trust the doctor, how much time they spend with them, and how well they respond to inquiries.