Internal Medicine Doctors and Workers’ Compensation: What You Need to Know

Internal Medicine Doctors play a vital role in Workers’ Compensation. The field of Internal Medicine treats numerous conditions that are industrially related. Many Injured Workers are both treated and evaluated by Internal Medicine Specialists.

This article will discuss the specialty of Internal Medicine and its sub-specialties. It will discuss the many roles that Internal Medicine Doctors play within the Workers’ Compensation System.

What Type of Conditions Do Internal Medicine Doctors Treat?

Internal Medicine Doctors treat various medical conditions such as the immune system, the heart, the vascular system, diabetes, glandular problems, metabolic disorders, the gastrointestinal system, the liver, gall bladder, blood, bacterial conditions, viral conditions, fungal conditions, parasitic conditions, kidneys problems, cancer, lung problems, respiratory problems,  joint problems and musculoskeletal problems.

In Workers’ Compensation, it is common that Internal Medicine Doctors treat Injured Workers on an industrial basis for conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, gastrointestinal, and hypertension.

What Are Internal Medicine Doctors Called?

There are a variety of names that apply to Internal Medicine Doctors. They are referred to as “Internists” or “Doctors of Internal Medicine.” “General Internist” is the title for an Internist who has not taken on a sub-specialty.

What Is the Field of Internal Medicine?

According to the American College of Physicians, “Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness.” Note: This is in contrast with Pediatricians who treat children.

What is a General Internal Medicine Doctor? What Do They Do?

Per the American College of Physicians, “General internists are equipped to handle the broad and comprehensive spectrum of illnesses that affect adults, and are recognized as experts in diagnosis, in treatment of chronic illness, and in health promotion and disease prevention—they are not limited to one type of medical problem or organ system. General internists are equipped to deal with whatever problem a patient brings—no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex. They are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time.”

What is an Internal Medicine Sub-specialist?

A Sub-specialist is a Doctor who has furthered their training to sub-specialize in a focused area of internal medicine. This training is often called a “fellowship.” Sub-specialties include Allergy and Immunology, Cardiovascular Disease, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Oncology, Pulmonary Diseases, and Rheumatology.

Besides Treating Injured Workers as Primary Treating Physician, Do Internal Medicine Doctors Play an Additional Role?

Yes. Internal Medicine Doctors play a vital role with assisting other medical specialties.

Frequently, Injured Workers need to have surgery or a medical procedure. For some of these surgeries or procedures, an Internal Medicine Doctor clearance is required. Internal Medicine Doctors also play a role in allowing Psychologists to prescribe medications.

With Respect to Qualified Medical Evaluators, Are There Internal Medicine QMEs?

Yes. Internal Medicine is a QME specialty. In addition, the Medical Unit also includes Internal Medicine subspecialties. These subspecialties include (1) Cardiovascular Disease, (2) Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, (3) Gastroenterology, (4) Hematology, (5) Infectious Disease, (6) Medical Onocology, (7) Nephrology, (8) Pulmonary Disease, and (9) Rheumatology.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

If you would like a “free” consultation concerning any workers’ compensation case, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their worker’s compensation cases for 28 years. for more information.

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