An internist is a doctor specializing in internal medicine – a discipline dedicated to the treatment of adults. Internists spend almost half of their seven years of medical training learning to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases that affect adults.

What to expect from an internist?

A typical visit to the office of an internal medicine doctor is not different from one to a general physician’s.

If you’re going for a general internal medicine (GIM) evaluation, it may take four to seven days for the procedure to be completed. For this reason, it is wise that you find an internist that can adjust their program to fit in your schedule. Here’s what an evaluation process entails:

• Review of your medical information

   This is important to determine whether or not you need lab sessions prior to the main evaluation.

• Initial appointment  The internist will conduct a full evaluation and may refer you to a specialist for more tests and evaluation.

• Return appointment

  This will only be necessary if you have been referred to a specialist. It allows your internist to review your new test results.

Seeing an internist helps ensure you’re diagnosed and treated by someone who has the right experience and has possibly handled a case similar to yours before. Call (818) 986-7399 to schedule an appointment to meet one of the best internists in Encino.