Internal Medicine

More Information

Internal medicine specialists have training and experience in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in adult patients.

As primary care providers, internal medicine specialists care for a wide variety of health conditions in adults, provide preventive care and support overall wellness.

An internal medicine provider’s practice can serve as your medical home for annual wellness exams and sick visits to care for complex issues. Internists also act as your first stop for care, helping you navigate visits with specialists and empowering you in participating in your health care.

Norton Community Medical Associates primary care offices across the Louisville area have more than 100 internal medicine providers on staff. Internal medicine providers and office staff connect you to the comprehensive network of Norton Healthcare specialists and facilities to ensure coordinated care.

What an Internal Medicine Specialist Does

In addition to their focus of primary care, internal medicine providers have additional specialty care training. That means they have the expertise and experience to treat complex medical issues that may affect more than one area of the body. Internal medicine providers usually have additional training in a subspeciality such as cardiology, dermatology, geriatrics, medical weight management or neurology.

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Internal medicine specialists also offer primary care services including:

  • Annual wellness exams and checkups
  • Sick visits
  • Care for minor injuries or accidents
  • Flu shots and other immunizations
  • Medication management
  • Treatments for allergies
  • Mental health concerns
  • Ongoing care for chronic conditions
  • Preventive screenings
  • Healthy lifestyle education

There are differences in training for internal medicine providers, compared with family medicine providers, in addition to the ages of their patients.

Generally speaking, family medicine specialists tend to work in outpatient offices with an emphasis on preventive care. Many internal medicine specialists see patients in hospitals, treating illnesses. That’s not always the case, as family medicine providers are trained to treat patients in hospitals, and internists are equipped to provide preventive care in outpatient settings.

Another difference between family medicine providers and internal medicine specialists is their residency training. Internists in residency spend three years caring for hospital patients rotating through emergency medicine, critical care and subspecialty care.

Family medicine residents do that inpatient training for one year, then devote the remaining two years of their residency practicing in pediatrics, OB/GYN and other outpatient specialties.

Norton Telehealth

Your internal medicine specialist may be available for Norton Telehealth appointments. Contact your provider’s office about availability and to find out whether a telehealth visit is appropriate for your concern.

Stay Connected With MyNortonChart

A free MyNortonChart account gives you secure online access to your health information, bill payment, test results and more. You also can message your internal medicine provider directly, make appointments and get on a waitlist if an earlier appointment opens up.

Family Medicine

Care Everywhere

With your primary care provider as your medical home, Norton Healthcare offers you many options to get the health care you need.

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