Internal medicine is more than just a medical specialty; it is the cornerstone of lifelong health. At Summit Health, our internal medicine services focus on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Whether you need a routine check-up, management for a complex condition, or guidance on healthy living, our team is here to support you.
Our primary care physicians—often called internists—serve as your "medical captains." They coordinate your care, manage your health history, and look out for your overall well-being. By building a long-term relationship with you, we ensure that you receive personalized care tailored to your unique needs.
Our approach to Internal Medicine
Your journey to better health starts with a strong foundation. At Summit Health, we believe that primary care is that foundation. We prioritize open communication and a holistic approach to medicine. Using our advanced electronic health record system and patient portal, we make it easy for you to stay connected with your care team.
We don't just treat sickness; we promote wellness. Our providers guide you through the essentials of a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, and smoking cessation. If you require specialized care, we seamlessly connect you with our network of Summit Health specialists.
Our goal is to be your trusted partner in health. To achieve this, we offer:
- Comprehensive health screenings: Routine wellness care to catch potential issues early.
- Sick care: Diagnosis and treatment for common ailments like the flu, infections, and pain.
- Urgent Care access: Walk-in availability for immediate problems that can't wait.
- Emotional support: Counseling and guidance during times of stress or grief.
- Chronic condition management: Expert care for ongoing health challenges.
Conditions we treat
Our internal medicine team is equipped to handle a wide range of health issues. From minor injuries to complex chronic diseases, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for conditions including:
- Respiratory issues: Asthma, COPD, sinusitis, shortness of breath
- Cardiovascular Health: Heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
- Metabolic Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disease, metabolic syndrome, obesity
- Mental Health: Anxiety, depression
- Digestive Health: Abdominal pain, GERD
- Pain Management: Back pain, headaches, migraines, osteoarthritis
- General Wellness: Allergies, fatigue, insomnia, skin issues, UTIs
Find an Internist near you
View Our SpecialistsWhy choose Summit Health for Internal Medicine?
Choosing a primary care provider is one of the most important health decisions you will make. Here is why Summit Health stands out:
Seamless care coordination
We make navigating the healthcare system easy. Through our patient portal, you can email questions directly to your care team. If you require hospitalization, our primary care providers maintain close contact with hospitalists to ensure you receive consistent care. After discharge, our health care managers follow up to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth recovery.
Long-term relationships
We want you to feel comfortable discussing any health concern, no matter how small. Our providers take the time to get to know you, your history, and your philosophy on care. We aim to build a partnership that lasts for years, adapting as your health needs change.
Specialized geriatric care
For our older adult patients, we offer specialized geriatric care. Our geriatricians work alongside a nurse care management team, including social workers, to manage multiple chronic conditions and ensure the highest quality of life for seniors.
Integrated specialist network
If you need additional expertise, we connect you with top-tier Summit Health specialists. Because we share a unified electronic health record, your primary care provider can see notes, test results, and prescriptions from your specialists. This ensures that everyone involved in your care is on the same page.
Expert chronic condition management
Living with a chronic illness requires ongoing support. Our internists are experts in managing conditions like congestive heart failure, diabetes, and COPD. We help you implement lifestyle changes, monitor medications for side effects, and coordinate with other specialists to keep your health on track.
Convenient access
Sickness doesn't always happen during business hours. We offer evening and Saturday appointments to fit your schedule. For urgent needs, our same-day urgent care visits and on-call providers ensure you can get help when you need it most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Internal medicine is a medical specialty dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of adult diseases. Internists, or doctors of internal medicine, are trained to handle a broad spectrum of illnesses that affect adults. They act as primary care physicians but have specific training in solving diagnostic puzzles and managing severe chronic illnesses.
Start by looking for a board-certified physician with experience in your specific health needs. Consider factors like office location, hours, and whether they accept your insurance. It is also important to find a doctor whose communication style matches your preferences. At Summit Health, you can view provider profiles to learn more about their specialties and care philosophies.
Both internists and family practitioners serve as primary care physicians. The main difference is that internists focus exclusively on adult medicine, while family practitioners are trained to treat patients of all ages, including children (pediatrics) and adults.
Yes. In fact, for many adults, an internist is the ideal choice for a primary care physician. Because they specialize in adult health and complex conditions, they are well-equipped to manage your overall health throughout adulthood.
Generally, you should see your internist at least once a year for an annual wellness visit or physical. However, if you are managing a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend more frequent visits to monitor your health.
Preventive Visits
A preventive visit (annual wellness visit or routine physician exam) does not include treatment of an acute illness or management of a chronic condition.
| Annual Wellness Visit | Routine Physical Exam |
|---|---|
Includes:
Does not include:
| Includes:
Does not include:
|