When to see an internal medicine doctor online

A specialist in adults, and in complexity

The American College of Physicians calls internists experts in complexity. They are trained to solve diagnostic problems, manage severe long-term illness and care for people with several chronic conditions at once. Because they look at how the organ systems work together, other doctors often ask for their view.

Do not confuse the term with internal medicine as in “inside the body only”, or with an intern, who is a doctor in training. An internist is a fully trained specialist.

Common reasons people are referred or book directly

• Diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol that is proving hard to control.
• Tiredness, weight loss or fevers without a clear cause, after a GP has made a start.
• Several conditions and a long list of medicines that need reviewing together.
• Abnormal blood results that nobody has explained.

WHO notes that the symptoms of type 2 diabetes can be mild and may take many years to be noticed, which is why a result on a routine test is often how it comes to light.

Where video helps and where it runs out

Much of an internist’s value is in reading the whole picture, and a lot of that can happen on a call if the records are ready. Going through results, checking how medicines interact, making a plan and deciding which test comes next all suit video. The doctor can request tests and review them with you afterwards, and some can be collected through lab tests at home.

What video cannot do is listen to your heart and lungs, feel your abdomen or check your reflexes. New or unexplained symptoms often need that examination, plus tests such as an ECG or imaging, so expect to be asked to attend in person at some point.

Make the appointment count

1. Put every recent result and report in date order. Upload what you can to your health record first.
2. Bring a full medicine list, including vitamins, herbal products and anything bought without a prescription.
3. Write down your three main worries. Long histories are easy to run out of time on.
4. Note who else is treating you, so the doctor knows who to coordinate with.

Do not book an appointment for these

Call 998 for chest pain or pressure, severe difficulty breathing, sudden confusion, or symptoms of a stroke such as a drooping face or weak arm. Do not drive yourself to hospital.

Internal medicine doctors on medicAI work at independent facilities licensed by DHA or DoH, and those facilities are responsible for your care. medicAI is the platform you book through.