What is the Difference Between an Internist, PA, Nurse Practitioner and Family Physician?

You have probably heard these words frequently—and sometimes used interchangeably—but there are distinct differences between internal medicine physicians, physician assistants (PAs), nurse practitioners, and family physicians. Knowing the difference can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. 

We’ll explore these differences as well as provide information on the specialties of the Raleigh internal medicine physicians at Raleigh Adult Medicine.

What Is an Internist?

An internist is a physician who specializes in internal medicine. This is the branch of medicine that deals with the entire body and how its systems interact with each other. They are experts in not only treating chronic diseases but in treating those who may have more than one chronic disease.

In addition, their extensive training enables them to meet the challenge of solving even the most complex and puzzling medical issues.

But internists care about much more than merely treating you when you’re sick. They also have a keen focus on keeping you healthy, whether that’s through managing diabetes or developing a diet and exercise plan.

According to the American College of Physicians, internal medicine is a science that represents the best of both worlds. 

Internal Medicine combines the analytical examination of laboratory science with a personalized, compassionate approach to adult medicine. This expertise enables doctors to treat both common illnesses and complex medical conditions. 

An Internist Is Not To Be Confused With An Intern

While the words internists and intern sound alike, they could not be more different.

Internist is short for internal medicine specialist. These doctors have additional training after medical school. Their four-year medical degree is followed by an intensive, three-year residency program focusing on internal medicine.

Some internists opt to specialize in a subspecialty of internal medicine, which means an additional one to three years of fellowship training.

An intern is a doctor in the first year of residency training.

Why Would You See an Internist?

There are several reasons why you would see an internist. We’ve outlined a few of them below:

• For Regular Wellness Exams

You would see an internist if you want a medical home where a physician can see you regularly for wellness visits as well as screen you for diseases such as prostate cancer or cervical cancer. We can also provide adult vaccinations as well as flu shots. 

Did you know that regular physicals can help you pinpoint health problems before they develop into something more serious? That’s why we always encourage you to meet with us at a minimum of once a year—more often if you have chronic health conditions.

• If You Have Several Chronic Conditions

If you have several long-term health issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or thyroid disease, an internist can monitor these diseases long-term. By having one medical home, you’ll have a physician who has extensive knowledge of your history, without having to be sent to multiple specialists. 

• You Have a Health Problem that Affects Other Systems in Your Body

Some conditions, such as diabetes, can affect other systems in the body. Those with diabetes are at greater risk of heart attack, stroke, or blindness. Therefore, having a doctor with a deep comprehension of how these systems work together is important. 

Why? Because what happens in one part of your body has an effect on the others. For example, diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke.

When you realize how closely connected all your systems are, it’s clear how important it is to monitor all of them closely.

• You Have an Acute Care Need

Internists can also help you if you have allergies, sinus infections, or even certain sports injuries. 

• Getting Support for Lifestyle Changes

Do you smoke? Are you not eating as healthy as you should? Often, patients know the right steps to take, but implementing them into everyday life can be a constant challenge.

That’s why our adult medicine doctors are a part of a health care team along with our staff dietitian Nicole Matala. We’ve seen firsthand the benefits patients have gained by adopting a healthier lifestyle.

Together, we equip you not only with the tools you need but also provide encouragement and education. This helps ensure that you are meeting your lifetime wellness goals.

• Working With Doctors Who Know Your Complete Health History

We touched on this a bit earlier, but we’d like a chance to elaborate. 

We view ourselves as partners in your care. This means that you will have one physician who is familiar with your entire medical history.

While we can happily refer you to specialists if needed, you’ll find that many of your most common concerns and health issues can be successfully managed by working closely with your adult medicine physician.  Often, once a specialist has diagnosed you and put you on a course of treatment for an issue, your internist can follow you for this issue through the years.  

Is An Internist the Same As General Practitioner? 

Not quite. Many people use the term “general practitioner” interchangeably with “family doctor.” However, the main difference between an internist, PA , nurse practitioner, family physician, and general practitioner is that general practitioners will sometimes see children or teens. Internists typically treat only adults.

What Can an Internist Diagnose?

Our internal medicine physicians in Raleigh can diagnose a wide range of diseases. These include:

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
• High Triglycerides
• Prostate cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Sexually transmitted diseases
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• Sports injuries
• Heart function
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions

This list is far from complete. We encourage you to continue to explore our website to learn more about the role of internists in Raleigh and how we keep you healthy. 

In addition, we offer the following services:

• Bone density screenings
• Echocardiograms 
• Holter monitoring (heart rhythm monitoring)
• Stress test 
• Ultrasound
• Immunizations
• Annual exams for Women and Men

What Is a Physician’s Assistant?

A physician’s assistant, often called a PA, can also assist and provide diagnoses, help manage treatment and also prescribe medications. You can find them in doctor’s offices, acute care centers, emergency rooms and even long-term care facilities.

However, there is a difference in training between a PA and an internist.

A PA typically has a master’s degree (a three-year program) that includes both classroom work and clinical rotations—roughly 2,000 hours. They must pass an intensive certification exam.

What is the Difference Between a Nurse Practitioner and an Internal Medicine Doctor?

A nurse practitioner, or NP, functions in a very similar capacity to the PA, as described above.  They are able to diagnose and treat illness and chronic conditions, as well as provide wellness and sick care.  

The nurse practitioner holds a nursing degree from a university as well as a master’s degree from a certified nurse practitioner program.  He/she must have clinical nursing experience prior to applying to the master’s program.  Like the PA program, the advanced degree program involves many hours of classroom and clinical rotations, as well as the intensive certification examination.  Many nurse practitioners and PA’s get additional certification in their chosen specialty, such as adult medicine.

What Is the Difference Between a Family Doctor and an Internal Medicine Doctor?

It’s easy to get these two roles confused. After all, both see adult patients, both help manage chronic diseases, and both diagnose and treat acute illnesses.

The difference is that sometimes, family doctors will treat children. While many parents will take their child to a pediatrician, some will take them to see a family doctor. Internal medicine physicians treat adults only.

Why is there confusion over the roles of family doctors vs. internal medicine physicians?

The confusion arises because most of the patients seen by family physicians are adults. 

However, sometimes family physicians do treat children. In fact, according to the American College of Physicians, 10-to-15 percent of family medicine patients are children. 

Family doctors may also see “tweens” or those in early adolescence. Internal medicine physicians only treat adults. 

All internal medicine training must take place in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Internists  also have extensive education in each of the internal medicine subspecialties — which include endocrinology, rheumatology, neurology and infectious diseases.

What Is Adult Medicine?

Adult medicine is a term that is frequently used to refer to internal medicine. This medical specialty encompasses a complete approach to health care that helps our patients in every aspect of their wellness.

How to Prepare for an Appointment With Our Internal Medicine Physicians in Raleigh

We know that safeguarding your health is important. That’s why our patients are at the heart of all that we do. We’re invested in making sure you live the healthiest life possible. This means monitoring you for certain conditions before they develop into more serious problems.

We also want you to get the most out of your appointment. Following are some suggestions that will help us assist you:

• Write down any questions you have. We’re always happy to take time to address your concerns.
• Be sure to tell us if you’re taking any herbal or over-the-counter vitamins or supplements and bring a list of your medications.
• Keep track of your eating and exercising habits. This will help us determine if further lifestyle changes or wellness choices are working well for you.
• Be sure you understand any instructions that we have given you. You may want to write them down or store them in your phone.
• Think about your healthcare goals and how we can help you achieve them.

We don’t want you to feel rushed! This is why we always take time to speak with you and get to know you as an individual. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your health with you, and we love nothing more than working with our clients to help them lower cholesterol, manage diabetes and maintain your overall health.

Why Is It Called Internal Medicine?

It comes from the German word innere medizin. In the 1800s, German physicians were incorporating knowledge from the sciences of bacteriology (study of bacteria), physiology (study of how the body functions) and pathology (the study of diseases) into their treatment plans. Physicians found the more they understood these subjects, the better equipped they were to help their patients.

They were called internal medicine doctors or internists because they focused on the “inner” diseases instead of the external manifestations of those diseases.

For More Than 20 Years, Raleigh Adult Medicine Has Helped the Triangle Community

We have decades of experience in helping Raleigh residents live a healthier and happier life. Whether you need help managing your diabetes or you’re setting an appointment for your annual physical, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us today.

For Compassionate Care from Internal Medicine Doctors In Raleigh, Let Raleigh Adult Medicine Be Your Health Care Home

We believe in providing the highest level of care that is both compassionate and state-of-the-art. In addition to having both internists and physician assistants on staff, we also have doctors who specialize in sports medicine.

This means that, whatever your health care needs, we have the experience and the expertise to provide world-class care. We would love the opportunity to serve you. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment.