Choosing a primary care provider is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term health. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, looking to stay healthy through preventive care, or simply want a trusted physician who knows your medical history, a strong relationship with your primary care provider makes all the difference.

For many adults, an internal medicine physician, also known as an internist, is an excellent choice.

What Is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting adults. Internists receive extensive training in caring for adults throughout every stage of life, from young adulthood through their senior years. They are experts in managing both common health concerns and complex medical conditions.

An internist serves as a patient’s primary care provider by helping with:

• Annual wellness visits and preventive care
• Management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, and obesity
• Evaluation of new or unexplained symptoms
• Medication management
• Coordinating care with specialists when needed

Because many adults develop multiple health conditions over time, internists are especially skilled at seeing the complete picture and creating care plans that address a person’s overall health.

Internal Medicine vs. Family Medicine

Both internal medicine and family medicine physicians provide outstanding primary care, and both emphasize prevention, long-term relationships, and helping patients stay healthy.

The primary difference is the patient population they serve. While family medicine providers care for patients of all ages, internal medicine physicians focus exclusively on adults. Their training provides additional depth in adult diseases, chronic illness management, and caring for patients with more complex medical needs.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between family medicine and internal medicine. The right choice depends on your personal healthcare needs and preferences. Many adults appreciate the specialized expertise that internists bring to adult primary care, particularly as health needs become more complex over time.

Growing to Meet Our Community’s Needs

As the demand for primary care continues to grow throughout our communities, Lakeview Clinic is expanding its Internal Medicine team this fall with the addition of three new physicians. The growth of Lakeview’s Internal Medicine team will help increase appointment availability for adult patients.

Joining our team in fall 2026: