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Internists are doctors who diagnose and treat common and complex diseases in adults of all ages. These medical professionals are trained to treat everything from high blood pressure to diabetes, and often develop lifelong relationships with their patients. They typically provide care for patients in their private offices, but may also come to see them in hospitals and nursing homes. Here are a few reasons why you may want to choose a doctor of internal medicine as your primary care physician.

Why You Should Choose an Internist to Be Your Primary Care Physician

Treat Multiple Medical Problems

Internists have extensive training in treating and preventing a wide variety of diseases, so they know how to handle patients with multiple medical problems. They will ensure the treatments provided for one illness won’t negatively affect the patient’s other conditions or medications.

Assist With Diagnostic Dilemmas

Because internists are versed in many different diseases, they make suitable primary care physicians for patients who are having trouble getting a diagnosis. Misdiagnoses can delay treatment for individuals, which can be very harmful in the long run. Some of the most commonly misdiagnosed conditions include celiac disease, heart attacks, Lyme disease, and fibromyalgia. 

Detect Diseases Early

Some health conditions have very few obvious symptoms in the beginning stages, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and lung cancer. Internists are trained to detect diseases early, so they can help you catch issues before they become life-threatening. For example, if you are overweight or have high blood pressure, an internist might recommend that you get screened for diabetes.

 

Choosing an internist as your primary care physician can have many benefits, and in Kailua-Kona, HI, the first choice internist is Dr. Donald Nikaitani who works with Dr. Richard Pekala at Kona-Kohala Health Care Services. This community-oriented clinic provides a wide range of services, including wellness exams, flu shots, and preventative screenings. Call (808) 329-1346 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website for more information.

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