How to Choose an Internist

An Internist may be one of the most important health care practitioners that you ever need. Finding and choosing the right one is critical. An internist specializes in preventing and treating diseases and conditions of internal organs. An internist has more education in adult medicine (in relation to internal organs and disease prevention) than a general practitioner does. There are two types of internists: general Internists and specialists. Some examples of internists who practice within a subspecialty of internal medicine are cardiologists, endocrinologists and gastroenterologists.

Instructions

Decide if you want a General Internist or Specialist

1. Think about whether your current health situation calls for short-term or long-term care. If you have a situation that needs urgent attention, you need immediate short-term care right. It may eventually turn into a long-term care situation. If you are in reasonably good health and want to find an internist with whom you can establish a relationship, you need long-term care.

2. Consult with your health insurance company about which type of internist you should see. If you have a non-acute medical situation, they may want you to see a general internist first. If you need more specialized assistance, a general internist can give you a referral to a specialist. Check with your health insurance company first.

3. Consult with your primary care physician for advice. You may be able to place a call to the office staff for this purpose. Or, you may need to make an appointment and go in for an office visit. Explain to the staff or your primary care physician why you want to see an internist. They will direct you appropriately.

Consult with your Major Medical Insurance Carrier

1. Check your health insurance policy to obtain the details of your particular policy and the coverage it entails. Your health insurance company may or may not consider a general internist a specialist. See if you are allowed an unrestricted number of visits to specialists per year, or if you have a limit.

2. Call your insurance company and ask if you need a referral to see an internist. Some policies differ in this regard. An HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plan may require a referral. A PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) may not. Find out the appropriate procedure to follow.

3. Call your insurance company and ask if you need a pre-authorization to see an internist. Your insurance company may ask you some questions about your upcoming visit. They may attempt to determine what tests will be performed on an outpatient basis. They may or may not give pre-authorization for such tests.

Consult with People You Trust for a Recommendation

1. Ask your health care practitioners for a recommendation. Ask your primary care physician and other specialists you know. Generally, you do not need to make an appointment to do this. Call the office staff and ask if the doctor recommends a particular internist.

2. Ask family members and trusted friends for a recommendation. Make sure you ask about the things that are important to you. If manners matters to you, ask around for an internist with a good beside manner. If thoroughness is most important; direct your questions in that regard.

3. Check online for any feedback about your top two choices. Some websites now offer patients an opportunity to give feedback about physicians. The comments you read about a particular internist may sway your final decision one way or the other.

Tips & Warnings

• Always make sure that the internist you choose is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). You can check online or over phone with your state's health department to obtain this information.