Do I need an Internal Medicine Physician?
A doctor of internal medicine, also called an Internist, has medical training that focuses on conditions that affect adults. During residency, time is split between various adult subspecialties. There is a growing trend among adults to choose a physician trained in internal medicine as their primary care provider. Both the traditional family doctor and Internist have completed four years of medical school, followed by a three-year residency but the focus of their residency is different.
Should I Have an Annual Physical Exam?
There has been a lot of debate in recent years regarding the need for annual exams for healthy adults. If a person is indeed healthy, then a routine exam may not be necessary. However, there are a number of life-threatening diseases that have no to very mild symptoms during the early stages of development. Diabetes, for example, is best treated early on and can often be prevented when diagnosed and treated at a prediabetic stage. At Delta IMC, we believe regular exams coupled with blood work and urinalysis are a key to maintaining health and wellness.
What is a Primary Care Provider?
A primary care provider is a medical practitioner who can diagnose physical and mental illnesses, disorders and injuries, and prescribes medications, treatments and referrals to restore or maintain a patient’s health and wellness. A primary care provider does not have to be a doctor. A nurse practitioner has completed specialized training to become a medical provider and is well qualified to diagnose, treat and manage acute and chronic medical conditions.
Do You Take My Health Insurance?
Delta Internal Medicine Center works with numerous insurance carriers and accepts numerous plans. Please visit our Insurance page and check the list for your particular healthcare plan. If you do not see your carrier’s exact plan listed, contact our office at (407)985-1940 for assistance.
Can I Schedule an Appointment Online?
Yes, you can. Simply click on the REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT button found throughout the Delta IMC website and you will be instructed to select a date and time.
Where Is Delta IMC Located?
Delta Internal Medicine Center is located east of I-4 in downtown Orlando across from Al Coith Park just off Delaney Avenue at 220 East Gore Street in unit #201.
Who Should Get an Annual Flu Shot?
The CDC recommends annual influenza vaccinations for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications, including pregnant women and older adults. For the 2016-2017 flu season, the CDC recommends the use of injectable flu vaccines only and nasal spray flu vaccine should not be used. If you have severe egg allergies or are allergic to other ingredients in the flu vaccine, visit the CDC’s Special Considerations page and discuss your situation with a primary care provider.
Do I Need Medication Management?
Medication management is very important for patients who take multiple drugs to address more than one condition. Medication management also plays a key role when any drug must be taken at set intervals and in specific doses. Proper monitoring is the primary safeguard to avoid dangerous drug interactions as well as to make ongoing adjustments.
Should I Consider Tuberculosis Testing?
According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis ranks alongside HIV as the world’s most deadly infectious diseases. Since the TB bacteria is spread airborne when an infected person sneezes, coughs, etc., anyone in a high-risk group, those exposed to someone with TB, anyone who visits countries where tuberculosis is common, people with weakened immune systems and the elderly should have a PPD skin test.
Is Medically Supervised Weight Loss Necessary?
While eating the right foods and remaining active throughout all stages of your life are important factors, some people still struggle to lose weight and may need to do so due to weight-related health issues. A medical weight loss program supervised by a physician may be the safest and best option. At Delta IMC, we are an authorized distributor of AdvoCare products developed to support healthy weight loss.
Should I Be Tested for Diabetes?
If you have symptoms of diabetes, you should schedule a wellness exam. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, 8.1 million of who have not been diagnosed and are unaware of their condition. Blood glucose testing can help identify a number of conditions where blood sugar levels are not normal, including both high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
What’s the Difference in an M.D. and D.O.?
All doctors practicing medicine in the United States receive a similar education and have to pass a similar medical board exam. Those who attend a traditional allopathic medical college become an M.D. Those who attend an osteopathic medical school become a D.O. Both are physicians that can train in subspecialties and surgery.
Who Should Have Pulmonary Function Testing?
Since most lung conditions can be successfully treated if detected early, pulmonary function tests are a measure of how well your lungs are working. If you have symptoms of a lung condition, are taking medications for a lung disease like asthma, or are about to have surgery, our Internist or Nurse Practitioner may order one or more Pulmonary Function Tests. Testing is not painful and only requires that you blow through a tube or mouthpiece.
Does an Adult Really Need Vaccinations?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tens of thousands of adults die and hundreds of thousands more are hospitalized every year due to vaccine-preventable diseases. Plus, many adults do not know that they need booster shots for some childhood immunizations. Vaccinations can help to save lives and money as well as protect others in your community.
How Long Does It Take for an ECG Heart Test?
An ECG heart test is a quick painless and non-evasive method of measuring and recording your heart activity as part of a routine stress test or before outpatient or in-hospital surgery. An electrocardiogram shows your heart’s electrical activity as line tracings on paper and takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Should I Get a Pneumonia Shot?
Pneumonia is a leading cause of vaccine-preventable illnesses and deaths in the United States each year. Plus, pneumonia shots provide protection against several pneumococcal illnesses like meningitis, certain bacterial blood infections and pneumonia-related lung infections. Annual vaccinations are recommended for all adults over 65 years as well as any adult in a high risks group. Based on your age and overall health, our Internist or Nurse Practitioner can determine whether booster shots should be continued after the basic immunizations as well as which pneumonia shots provide you with the best protection.
Will B-12 Injections Eliminate My Feelings of Fatigue?
If your fatigue is due to B-12 deficiency, then yes. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition estimates that nearly 40% of Americans have B-12 levels that fall at or below normal. To learn how B-12 injections can improve your health and wellness, use this website’s Request An Appointment form to schedule a checkup with a primary care provider or call us at (407) 985-1940.