Gladys Castillano

Understanding Internal Medicine

In choosing a primary care physician, you may wonder what the difference is between a general practitioner (GP) and an internist. One of the basic distinctions is that a GP treats patients of all ages, while a doctor of internal medicine focuses on treating adults. However, there is more to internal medicine than meets the eye.

Internal medicine is a medical specialty that requires a more comprehensive knowledge of both common and complex diseases, making internists experts in diagnosing specific ailments and promoting wellness and preventive care.

Here are other insights into the value of internal medicine.

An Enhanced Form of Medical Care

As the world’s largest medical specialty, internal medicine represents an advanced form of primary care that balances regular preventive care needs with specialized care needs.

Besides functioning as a generalist physician, an internal medicine physician often also undergoes additional training in order to focus their practice in one of the subspecialty areas within internal medicine, such as cardiovascular disease, critical care medicine, endocrinology, gastroenterology, geriatric medicine, hematology, oncology, nephrology, pulmonary disease, rheumatology, or sports medicine, just to name a few.

Internal medicine also emphasizes research and translating scientific knowledge into clinical practice. In fact, as much as two-thirds of all clinical research funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is awarded to internal medicine physicians.

Why Should You Choose an Internal Medicine Doctor for Your Primary Care?

If you are an adult, there are several reasons why it is beneficial to choose an internist as your primary care physician:

  • You want a doctor who can address everything from preventive care to serious or chronic illnesses.
  • You want a physician who can provide routine physicals, screenings, and tests necessary to help keep you healthy.
  • If you have a chronic disease such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes, an internal medicine doctor can coordinate with specialists if more complex care is needed.
  • Even if you are healthy, an internist can help you as your health needs change.

In any case, it is important to have a primary care physician who can help facilitate prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as managing chronic illness, medication management, and referrals – all of which an internal medicine doctor can provide.

Internal Medicine Doctor Near You in Dallas, Texas

At Prime Internal Medicine Associates, we consider you more than just a patient. Your general health and well-being are our top priority, and we proudly offer the highest-quality, complete primary care to adults of all ages in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

Our board-certified physicians provide expert diagnosis and exceptional treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Besides focusing on our patient’s individual medical needs, we prioritize the implementation of holistic lifestyle changes that result in improved acute and chronic conditions. Our comprehensive areas of expertise and on-site services include:

To learn more about our treatment services, we encourage you to call us today at (972) 239-5445 to request an appointment with one of our highly skilled providers. You can use our convenient online appointment request form. Either way, we look forward to serving you.

10 Diabetes Myths Debunked

If you’re like most people, you probably think that too much sugar in your diet will make you diabetic. Or you might assume that if you are diagnosed with diabetes, you have to avoid sweets for the rest of your life.

However, neither of these myths is true.

Understanding and managing diabetes – or even avoiding becoming prediabetic – first helps separate fact from fiction about this serious disease.

Here are 10 diabetes myths and their facts you should know:

Myth: You can develop diabetes by eating too much sugar.

Fact: Overdosing on foods and beverages that contain sugar can help trigger diabetes if you are prediabetic or predisposed to develop the disease. However, sugar is not a direct cause. Those with type 2 diabetes gradually develop a resistance to insulin, which is the hormone responsible for converting blood sugar into energy, and when the pancreas can’t keep up with the increased demand, it results in diabetes. The cause of type 1 diabetes can be traced to the body’s immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Myth: Thin people don’t get diabetes, only those who are overweight.

Fact: While obesity is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes, so is genetics, and blood sugar can rise with age regardless of weight. Besides having a family history of diabetes, other risk factors include being sedentary; having a personal history of gestational diabetes, heart disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome; having high blood pressure, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels; being 45 years or older; or non-Caucasian.

Myth: Type 1 diabetes is more serious than type 2 diabetes.

Fact: Both types of the disease can lead to severe complications – such as heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease, nerve damage, gum infections, or amputation – if left uncontrolled.

Myth: There are telltale symptoms when your blood sugar is too high.

Fact: There are no symptoms when blood sugar is slightly elevated and only mild indications that might be overlooked with moderately elevated blood sugar levels. The common symptoms of high blood sugar levels include fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, weight loss, more frequent urination, and sores that do not heal.

Myth: You need to follow a special diet when you’re diabetic.

Fact: A person with diabetes can maintain the same healthy diet as anyone else if it includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and a moderate amount of healthier fats, including those found in canola and olive oil. Even sweets are okay as long as they are part of a healthy meal plan or combined with exercise.

Myth: If you are diabetic, you should limit your physical activity.

Fact: On the contrary, exercise helps control blood sugar, weight, and blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of diabetes complications, such as heart disease and nerve damage. Indeed, workouts can sometimes lower blood sugar and cause hypoglycemia in those who take insulin. To prevent this from happening, you should avoid working out on an empty stomach, stay hydrated, and check your blood sugar before and after exercise. If you start feeling weak or light-headed, have a snack to elevate your blood sugar.

Myth: All diabetics require insulin injections to control their disease.

Fact: Those with type 1 diabetes need daily injections since their body produces little or no hormones. However, those with type 2 diabetes can take pills that help to normalize their blood sugar level.

Myth: If you are diabetic, you need to monitor your blood sugar frequently.

Fact: Those who don’t use insulin and keep their blood sugar under control only need to check it at home occasionally, if at all. Instead, they can have it checked regularly by their doctor. Of course, those who use insulin need to be more vigilant in order to adjust their dosage when necessary and guard against a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. If you have been recently diagnosed with diabetes, you should monitor your blood sugar patterns for a while to note how they waver with meals, medications, exercise, and stress.

Myth: If you have diabetes, you will eventually have other disabling complications and require kidney dialysis.

Fact: Serious complications resulting from diabetes occur less frequently if you have regular checkups and maintain good control of your blood sugar levels.

Myth: Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong problem.

Fact: Although type 1 diabetes is currently incurable, type 2 is more common and can be improved by adopting healthier habits, such as maintaining your normal weight and leading an active lifestyle.

Diabetes Management in Dallas, Texas

At Prime Internal Medicine Associates, we offer comprehensive chronic disease management and tailored treatment plans for a wide range of conditions, including type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes, to all patients within the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We are dedicated to patients’ long-term care and wellness and ensure each of our patients is treated on an individual and personal level. We utilize a combination of advanced evidence-based medical care alongside holistic treatment methods such as natural supplements and lifestyle changes to improve health and well-being.

To learn more about our chronic disease management services, call us today at (972) 239-5445. To request a consultation with one of our board-certified internal medicine providers, use our convenient online appointment request form.

Top 10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Primary Care Doctor

Whether you have moved to a new area or you are just looking for a change in providers, finding a primary care doctor who fits your requirements is key to getting the high-quality care you deserve.

A primary care doctor is a healthcare professional who provides personalized, comprehensive medical care to adult patients. They are able to diagnose, treat, and help prevent a wide range of illnesses, medical conditions, and injuries and are often the first point of contact if you are sick or have a health concern. As well as offering care for acute conditions such as coughs and flu, they can also help you manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma.

In addition to this, your primary care doctor is responsible for providing other services, such as annual health checks, which help to identify any health concerns in their earliest stages when treatment is typically most effective. They provide patient education and personalized advice to help improve overall health and well-being.

Questions to Consider

When choosing a primary care doctor, it is important to ask questions that can help you decide if they are a good fit for your healthcare needs, personality, and lifestyle. You may want to consider the following questions to help you:

1. What certifications do they have?

A key question is asking what certifications a doctor has in order to manage your care effectively. Always use a board-certified primary care doctor to help make sure you receive the best care possible. Accreditations show that they have received the necessary education, training, and experience to provide quality care and safe practice. If you have complex health issues or a chronic condition, such as diabetes, you may also want to consider a doctor who specializes in that particular field of medicine.

2. What Insurance plans do they accept?

Even if you have found the most excellent doctor, if they do not accept your insurance, you should steer clear to avoid paying out of pocket for their services. Always check with your insurance provider to see which primary care doctors are in their network and exactly what is covered under your policy to help avoid any unexpected or hidden expenses in the future.

3. What type of doctor do I need?

There are different kinds of primary care doctors available who have different specialties and are trained to see certain types of patients. These can include family practitioners, internal medicine doctors, geriatricians, and pediatricians. If you have specific requirements, it pays to find a doctor who fits your needs accordingly.

4. Do they provide holistic-focused healthcare?

Along with focusing on patients’ individual medical needs, some primary care doctors also focus on implementing holistic approaches to manage health. This means using a combination of advanced evidence-based medical care and holistic treatment methods, such as natural supplements and lifestyle changes, to improve health and well-being.

5. Does the primary doctor provide other services?

Some primary care doctors may offer other services in addition to diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic conditions. This may include personalized wellness programs which aim to improve different areas of health. If you have a particular area of interest, it is worth asking what the doctor is able to offer.

6. What happens if I need to see a specialist?

If your doctors recommend a specialist evaluation or further diagnostic testing that requires a referral, they should make every effort to provide this for you as soon as possible. Ask your provider of choice about their referral process and whether there are any limitations you should be aware of if you require specialist care.

7. Does the practice offer extended opening hours?

Other commitments, such as work and family life, can make it difficult to schedule an appointment with your doctor at a time when you want it. Some practices offer extended and weekend opening hours that can make accessing the care you need more convenient. Some may also provide after-hours support to help you if you have an urgent medical need and need to talk to a doctor outside of regular office hours.

8. What are other patients saying about the medical practice?

When choosing a primary care doctor, it is helpful to check online reviews and patient testimonials to see what patients are saying about a practice. This can provide information about scheduling, availability, the doctor’s demeanor, and more. Reviews and testimonials may be found on search engines such as Google, business directories, practice websites, and on social media networks such as Facebook.

9. What kind of working partnership can I expect?

Over time, your doctor will get to know a lot about you, including your current health, your personal and family medical history, your lifestyle and personality, and your treatment preferences. It is, therefore, important you choose a primary care doctor that you can trust, feel comfortable with, and who truly cares about your health and well-being.

10. What was the general atmosphere like at the practice?

Always take the time to visit a potential doctor’s practice. Your doctor is typically the first person you turn to when you are at your most vulnerable. They are responsible for overseeing your health needs and should be approachable and take the time to listen to you and support you. If you’re not happy or don’t get a good feel for the place, trust your gut and look elsewhere for a doctor who is a better fit.

Primary Care Doctor in Dallas, Texas

If you are looking for a high-quality primary care doctor, contact Prime Internal Medicine Associates. Our compassionate providers offer personalized, comprehensive healthcare to adults of all ages in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

We have a passion for practicing holistic medicine and are dedicated to providing expert diagnosis and treatment for a range of acute and chronic medical conditions. Along with focusing on patients’ individual medical needs, we promote holistic lifestyle changes to improve overall long-term health and well-being.

To learn more about our services or to book a visit to our friendly practice, call us today at (972) 239-5445. Alternatively, you can use our convenient online appointment request form.

Why You Should See an Internist for Your Health

An internist is a medical doctor who provides comprehensive health care to adults of all ages. They help with a wide range of ailments, from acute illnesses and minor health problems to managing complex or chronic health conditions.

An internist doctor has your best interests at heart. Providing patients with compassionate and personalized care. Their role is to help you stay in the best health possible. They are equipped to deal with a broad spectrum of illnesses and health conditions that affect adults, regardless of how common, rare, complex, or simple the problem is. As well as diagnosing and treating a comprehensive range of conditions, internist doctors also specialize in disease prevention and promoting overall health and wellness for patients.

Benefits of Choosing an Internist Doctor

Personalized Care

Internists provide patient-centered care and believe in treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms presented by the patient. Over time, you will establish an effective working partnership with your internist. They will take the time to get to know your current health, lifestyle, personality, personal and family medical history, and treatment preferences. This is highly beneficial and allows them to recognize potential red flags about your health and identify the best ways to optimize your overall health and well-being.

Range of Treatments

Internists focus on caring for adults using the best evidence-based medical care available to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. They also implement other holistic approaches to manage their patients’ individual medical needs and improve their overall health. This may include incorporating positive lifestyle changes, the use of natural supplements, nutritional guidance, and wellness programs in addition to traditional medication to ensure patients receive a full spectrum treatment plan for their health needs.

Internists are fully up-to-date with the latest and most effective treatments and can make sure you receive the care that is right for you based on your individual circumstances and needs. Their in-depth training ensures they are able to deal with puzzling conditions or patients with multiple health issues that may require several different treatment options.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Acute Illnesses

Internists are able to diagnose and treat common and uncommon acute health problems, from a respiratory infection or abdominal pain to a sprain or an allergic reaction. They can ensure you get the prompt medical treatment you need to relieve your symptoms effectively.

Chronic Disease Management

Internist doctors have the expertise to treat and manage a wide range of chronic health conditions, including diabetes, arthritis, COPD, asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and much more. If you have multiple or long-term health conditions, your internist can support you and provide you with the resources you need to help you better manage your condition day-to-day. They can provide ongoing care and coordinate additional specialist care if necessary. Your internist takes a whole-person, integrated care approach to chronic disease management to ensure you receive the care you need to help you manage your condition successfully.

Preventive Care

Preventive care aims to help patients avoid particular health problems in the future and to prevent existing problems from getting worse, which could result in more significant or permanent damage. Because health needs can change over time, your internist
will work with you to keep on top of your health and address any potential issues you may have. Preventive services include:

  • Annual physicals.
  • Annual screenings, such as pelvic and Pap smears, breast exams, urine testing, and other lab work. (Screenings are based on your age, health, and other risk factors.)
  • Vaccinations and immunizations to prevent serious diseases.
  • Assessing lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle habits.

Your internist can provide practical tips to optimize your health and ensure your body’s chemistry stays in balance.

Finding the Best Internist Near Me

Internists have the experience and necessary skills to effectively manage your unique healthcare needs. They can be a great choice if you are looking for an experienced and compassionate provider for all your healthcare needs.

To find the best internist for your needs, do your research to see what is available in your area. Ask friends, family, and work colleagues for recommendations, as well as health professionals involved in your care. Other ways to find a good internist include:

Doing an Online Search

This can be a valuable tool for finding the right provider for your needs. However, it is important to only use trustworthy websites, such as DoctorFinder on the American Medical Association (AMA) website, which provides access to a directory of certified physicians in your area.

Checking Online Reviews and Patient Testimonials

Find out what existing patients are saying about a provider. These can help you assess things like their availability, bedside manner, and overall standard of care. You can find reviews on search engines, such as Google, practice websites, and on social media networks, such as Facebook.

Speaking to Your Insurance Provider

Many providers offer a preapproved list of in-network medical specialists in your area which can help you find an internist locally. Some insurers also provide information about the quality ratings of a specific provider within your network.

Internist Near Me in Dallas, Texas

For expert, comprehensive healthcare, visit Prime Internal Medicine Associates. Our compassionate internists offer personalized holistic healthcare to adults of all ages in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.

We are dedicated to patients’ long-term care and wellness and ensure each of our patients is treated on an individual and personal level. We utilize a combination of advanced evidence-based medical care alongside holistic treatment methods such as natural supplements and lifestyle changes to improve health and well-being.

If you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from seeing one of our expert internist doctors for your health, call our friendly practice today at (972) 239-5445. Alternatively, you can also use our convenient online appointment request form.