Internal medicine physicians, or internists, specialize in adult healthcare, and they diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions affecting adults. As medicine evolves, new technologies and methods become available, which change how internists provide care. These advancements involve booking appointments, diagnostic testing, and treatment options. Here is more information about advancements in internal medicine:
Online Booking
Some medical practices now offer online booking systems. These platforms allow you to view available appointment times. After you select a time, the system may confirm your appointment through email or text. This method provides a way to schedule visits outside of normal office hours, and you do not need to call the office.
Multi-cancer Detection Tests
Multi-cancer detection (MCD) tests are a recent development in diagnostic screening. These tests analyze a blood sample for signals that may indicate the presence of cancer. Because the technology is new, its application in general medical practice is still a topic of exploration. MCD tests are designed to screen for up to 50 types of cancer at once.
These tests function by looking for DNA fragments and other biomarkers that tumors may release into the bloodstream. The presence of these signals prompts further investigation. A positive result from an MCD test does not confirm a cancer diagnosis; it indicates that follow-up diagnostic procedures are needed.
Internists interpret the results of these tests within the context of a patient’s overall health profile. They will guide you through the next steps if a test comes back with an abnormal finding. This process involves additional imaging or specialized tests to determine the source of the signal.
Interventional Options
Interventional options are non-surgical procedures used to manage pain and certain medical conditions. When you experience specific types of pain, an internist might discuss these injections. They are administered directly into the affected area, and they offer a targeted approach. These procedures include:
- Trigger point injections
- Cortisone injections
- PRP injections
Trigger point injections target tight knots of muscle that can cause pain. Doctors inject a small amount of anesthetic or saline into the muscle, which helps the muscle relax. The procedure typically takes place in the office.
Cortisone injections deliver a corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation in a specific area, and they are helpful for joint pain. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, uses a concentration of your own blood platelets. The PRP is injected at the site of an injury to support the body’s natural healing processes.
On-site COVID Tests
Many internal medicine offices provide on-site COVID-19 testing. When needed, having tests available at the doctor’s office removes the need to visit a separate testing facility. The office will have specific protocols for patients, and these are based on the symptoms of a respiratory illness.
These tests are administered by healthcare professionals, and you receive guidance based on the results. On-site testing provides convenience and reduces the time required to obtain critical health information. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or need testing for travel, on-site COVID tests provide a reliable and efficient solution.
Schedule Internal Medicine Care
From booking your visit to receiving certain tests and treatments, these advancements offer different ways to manage your health. New technologies are changing aspects of internal medicine, and they provide additional tools for both patients and doctors. To learn more or schedule an appointment, contact a medical office today.
