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Here's to Your Health:  Internal Medicine  |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 07:16:57 AM
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I have noticed a few of you mention that you go to an internist and I am wondering about that practice of medicine. What is the difference between an internist and a doctor that practices general medicine? What made you go to an internist as opposed to a general practitioner? Do you go to your internist for your gynocological annual as well as your regular physical yearly? Any thing else you have to say about this area would be of great interest to me as it's something I've been wondering about for awhile now. Thank you!
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/ |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 08:31:29 AM
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My internist serves as a general practitioner, for me. I have gone to him for everything from an infection around a fingernail, to digestive issues, to dermatological issues. Our insurance requires that an internist serve as a primary care physician, a gatekeeper, so to speak. If we need to see a specialist for further treatment, it requires a referral from the primary care physician.
The only specialist that does not require a referral is the OB/GYN, and I do have a separate doctor for those annual visits. I am not very good about having a general physical each year, though.
Although it can be annoying to have to wait for the referral, and follow the system rules, I do believe it is good to have one physician who is familiar with all aspects of my health. I make sure that he is sent a copy of any test results that are performed outside his office.
I'd get a face lift - but then it wouldn't match my body! |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 09:03:27 AM
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My situation is similar to Sandy's though I didn't pick an internist initially when choosing a doctor after an insurance change. I went to two different doctors as a "trial", one didn't listen and the other smelled like he had drunk his lunch so on to Dr.#3. He has been my Dr. for over 25 years now and I am so glad the others were not what I was looking for. This is a small office (just him, two nurses and office folks). He is thorough, direct, always tries to get the answer to a difficult situation and is his patients best advocate.Like an osteopathic doctor, an internist looks at both your symptoms, causes and treats you "whole body" as opposed to spot diagnosing and passing you on to a zillion specialists. He is not hesitant however to send you to one when you need one. I once overheard him on the phone with an insurance company and he would not take no for an answer, told them until they had their md license to practice he would be the best judge of what treatment and meds this patient needed and that they better not penalize the patient with out of network billing. I am certain that he is as adamant for all patients in their needs. I also know that I was very fortunate to have found this extraordinarily caring doctor who calls to tell you lab results himself, or tell you you are overdue for your mammogram. After many duds, we found a gem. Liz, ask questions, make sure they are listening to you and if you don't like one, there are lots more to choose from, and one will be right for you. Best wishes with your testing and hopefully you will be feeling better soon!
with a happy heart |
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jo Thompson
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jo
the mountainside of the Chugach
in Alaska
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 11:21:35 AM
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I've worked with every specialist known to man. It is their preparation that distingishes them, but I've known "family practice" doctors, "generalists", and "internal medicine" physicians. Look for providers that listen to you, direct you to a specialist if you need one. i.e. if you need an endocrinologist I would hope no matter who your primary is they'll send you for appropriate follow up. Personally, I see an OB/GYN as my primary and she sends me out if I need something else. What's important more than anything else - Does your primary physician take the time to TALK to you and above all else LISTEN. You can go to a highly trained doctor and a very smart one and not get the care you need/deserve. I've known brilliant doctors I wouldn't take my cat to. Common sense above all else. If you really think something is up make sure you communicate it. I cannot tell you how many times I've spoken to someone and they're afraid to bring certain things up because they think it's stupid or irrelevant. COMMUNICATE, and don't tell a big long story, get to the point....... they've got ten people behind you to take care of......
north to alaska..... |
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ponyexpress
True Blue Farmgirl
320 Posts
Sandy
Kirkwood
Missouri
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 12:39:09 PM
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Communication seems to be the common thread, no matter which doctor you choose. There was a movie made some time ago with William Hurt in which he played a doctor who found himself on the receiving end of patient care. Good movie, and it showed clearly how well physicians are trained for the diagnostic side of medicine, but lack in the "bedside manner." It's worth seeing....just wish I could remember the name.
I'd get a face lift - but then it wouldn't match my body! |
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rosebud74a
True Blue Farmgirl
109 Posts
Stacy
Maryland
NY
USA
109 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 5:06:22 PM
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I have to add my two sense here. Nurse practitioners are often great alternatives to a prime care doc. Thay can do many of the same things that are done by MD's at least here in NY. I am a nurse pratitioner and see a a wide range of alliments, and treat them and refer them to specialists if they have something beyond my realm. I would agree with everyone else though you have to find someone who will listen to you.....I get put in a hard sitiaution sometimes as I am more of a fill in for the doc, and b/c I listen patients want to come back and see me and not their doc. I am fortunate to work with many female doc's internists and general practitioners alike who are great...bottom line find someone you are comfortable with b/c many times they know more about you than even your family !!
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This Is My Story,' 1937
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jo Thompson
True Blue Farmgirl
603 Posts
Jo
the mountainside of the Chugach
in Alaska
USA
603 Posts |
Posted - Jan 10 2007 : 7:13:05 PM
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Stacy, I apologize! My best friend is a geriatric nurse practictioner, that is a big oops............ jo
north to alaska..... |
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Leezard
True Blue Farmgirl
950 Posts
Elizabeth
Novi
MI
USA
950 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2007 : 07:34:33 AM
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Thank you all so much for the information! It's quite frustrating how hard it seems to be to find a good doctor. The one I went to yesterday is a definite no for me, I felt very talked down to and a bit rushed as if she'd made up her mind what was wrong with me before she'd even walked in the door. I am overweight but I do know about eating well and getting exercise but she felt the need to educate me about it as if she thought that was all that could be wrong with me. It's too bad that every patient didn't have to fill out an evaluation form after every visit and the results were posted monthly in the office or online for all to see so a person could know what they were getting into before they spent their hard earned money.
http://ruby--slippers.blogspot.com/ |
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lamamama
True Blue Farmgirl
255 Posts
Melanie
CA
USA
255 Posts |
Posted - Jan 11 2007 : 10:25:42 AM
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HI, Liz
As a Nurse, I think you've received some great advice. And as you have experienced, it is important to get "the right fit." And just as in real estate, "location, location, location" is everything - in medicinte it is "communication, communication, communication." Don't be afraid to speak up, & make sure your primary care Doctor will be an advocate for you. Personally, I've been using an Internist, & it has been great. I don't think I would go back to family practice, except maybe for a really special person. I also agree with Stacy that Nurse Practitioners are wonderful!! My only caution would be using the overly large HMO places. The care is rushed, & of uneven quality. Private practice offices, even the larger ones, are a better choice I think. And lastly, of course, your coverage often determines where you can go,
Good luck & good health to you! |
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Here's to Your Health: Internal Medicine |
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Internal Medicine
