If you're looking for a primary care provider (PCP), there are many choices. An internal medicine doctor may be the right PCP for you.
Many internal medicine doctors are PCPs. They focus on caring for adult men and women.
They can also refer you to an expert if you need advanced care in another area.
What Is an Internal Medicine Doctor?
An internal medicine doctor (or internist):
- Sees people over 18 for both urgent and chronic health needs.
- Has training in a subspecialty. This is helpful if you have a chronic health issue that needs watching — like arthritis or heart disease.
- Can be your PCP. You can go to them for yearly check-ups, vaccines, and health screenings.
What's the difference between an internal medicine and a family medicine doctor?
An internal medicine specialist typically only treats adults. A family medicine doctor treats all ages, from children to older adults.
Internists don't offer pediatric or ob-gyn care. Family medicine doctors may offer both.
Family medicine doctors are generalists.
Internists often have training in another area of care, such as:
- Blood disorders.
- Cancer.
- Digestive issues.
- Heart problems.
- Hormone issues.
- Infections.
- Inflammatory diseases.
- Kidney health.
- Lung health.
Like family medicine doctors, internal medicine PCPs can care for you for many years. They get to know your health history in depth as part of a long-term relationship.
What Conditions Does an Internal Medicine Doctor Treat?
UPMC internists can care for most health issues in adults — both minor and complex. Some internal medicine providers also care for adults with developmental disabilities and/or childhood-onset conditions.
Find more information about the conditions treated by internal medicine doctors.
Our Internal Medicine Services at UPMC
Our internists offer a wide range of services to adults, such as:
- Acute and chronic illness care. We treat both short- and long-term illnesses and injuries.
- Coordination of care. Our internists work with other UPMC experts. They can be the hub connecting expert, urgent, and hospital care.
- Exams and preventive care. It's vital to have a yearly exam, no matter what your age. Your internist can talk to you about staying healthy and answer any questions.
- Geriatric medicine. We care for the special needs of older adults.
- Health screenings. Even healthy people need screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies. Your internist can tell you what screenings you should have and help arrange them.
- Medicine management. Your PCP oversees your medicines. They can help make sure you're taking the right medicine in the right amount. And that they are all safe to take together.
- Vaccines. Whether it's a flu shot or vaccines for traveling abroad, we can provide the care you need.
Making Your First Internal Medicine Appointment at UPMC
You don't need a referral to plan a visit to our office. We may ask you to send us your health records before your first visit.
Find a UPMC internal medicine doctor near you to make an appointment.
Your first visit
When you see us for the first time, please come ready to:
- Fill out health insurance forms.
- Answer questions about your health history.
- Have a physical exam.
- Plan follow-up visits.
About Our Internal Medicine Doctors
Our internists at UPMC:
