Is Primary Care the Same as Internal Medicine?

At Rachman Medical Group, we offer both primary care and internal medicine services, allowing us to provide comprehensive healthcare for our patients.

Our primary care physicians often serve as the initial point of contact for patients, providing preventive care, health maintenance, and treatment of common illnesses. In line with the primary care specialty, they are responsible for coordinating the healthcare of their patients and making referrals to other specialists when necessary.

Our primary care providers offer services to patients of all ages. They establish long-term relationships with their patients, becoming familiar with their medical history, lifestyle, and health goals. Our primary care physicians offer a myriad of services including preventive care such as immunizations and screenings, acute illness management, and chronic disease management. They work collaboratively with specialists to ensure comprehensive care for our patients.

Our internal medicine doctors, or internists, are experts in diagnosing, treating, and caring for adults. They specialize in handling complex illnesses that may affect multiple systems in the body and are trained to manage severe chronic illnesses and concurrent diseases.

While our internists also provide primary care services, their main focus is on adult medicine. They complete a residency in internal medicine, which is specifically tailored to the care of adult patients. Our internists often subspecialize in areas such as cardiology, gastroenterology, or pulmonology, and they frequently consult with other specialists.

Primary Care Physicians (PCP) are your first point of contact for most health issues. From routine checkups and physical examinations to managing acute illnesses like colds and flu, and monitoring and treating chronic diseases.

However, if your primary care physician determines that your health concern requires more specialized care, they may refer you to an internal medicine specialist. Internal medicine specialists, also called internists, have received additional training in the prevention, diagnosis, and management of adult diseases. They focus on multi-system disorders, uncommonly encountered diseases, and medical conditions that require complex diagnostic evaluations. Internal medicine specialists further specialize in different areas of medicine, such as cardiology, endocrinology, or gastroenterology, providing you with a deeper level of expertise in those specific fields.

Whether you’re dealing with a complex health condition, a disease that affects multiple organ systems, or require a presurgical evaluation, internal medicine specialists are an excellent option. Furthermore, if you are dealing with a chronic illness that requires ongoing management, internists can provide comprehensive and coordinated care tailored to your needs.

PCPs offer medical services to individuals of all ages, from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly. This includes routine checkups, vaccinations, and management of common illnesses as well as chronic conditions. PCPs diagnose and treat a wide range of health issues and can refer patients to specialists within our network for further evaluation or treatment.

Internists, also known as internal medicine physicians, specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of adults. They focus on diseases and conditions related to internal body systems, such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive tract. Internists at Rachman Medical Group have deeper training in handling severe chronic illnesses and in managing several different illnesses at once, often consulting with other healthcare professionals within our network to provide comprehensive care.

When choosing between a PCP and an internist, consider your health needs. If you require ongoing care for common illnesses or general health maintenance, a PCP may be a suitable choice. For complex medical issues or specialized care, an internist is recommended.

We believe that regular visits to your primary care physician or internist are a crucial part of maintaining your overall health. The frequency of these visits, however, tends to vary depending on your age, health status, as well as individual needs.

Recommended Frequency for Adults

• Age 18-49: Healthy adults in this age bracket, with no chronic conditions, usually need an annual check-up. This allows for routine monitoring of health status, updating necessary immunizations, and early detection of potential issues.

• Age 50-64: Ideally, adults over the age of 50 should have a check-up with us every 6-12 months. This age group often experiences an increased risk of chronic diseases, and more frequent check-ups may benefit.

• Age 65 and older: For those 65 and older, regular visits with your physician every 3-6 months are recommended. Health needs and medical risks tend to increase with age, and your doctor may need to adjust your treatment plan more frequently.

Recommended Frequency for Children

• Birth to 15 months: Regular check-ups with our pediatricians should occur every 2-3 months to monitor growth, development, and immunizations.

• 15-30 months: Visits should be scheduled every 6-12 months.

• 3-4 years: Annual check-ups with our pediatricians are recommended.

• 5-18 years: Depending on the child’s health status, visits may be less frequent, around every 1-2 years.

Aside from regular check-ups, there are other reasons to see your PCP or internist. These include:

• Experiencing new or worsening symptoms
• Undergoing necessary screenings, such as mammograms, colonoscopies, or skin cancer checks
• Discussing lifestyle changes, such as weight management or smoking cessation
• Receiving preventive care, such as routine blood work or vaccinations
• Managing chronic conditions and adjusting medications

For those searching for a trusted primary care doctor in the Reseda, California area, Rachman Medical Group does accept Medicare, and we are excited to get to meet you and provide quality care. We serve patients from Reseda CA, San Fernando CA, Twin Lakes CA, Hidden Hills CA, Burbank CA, and BEYOND!