General Internal Medicine

Internal medicine is a type of primary care. This specialty focuses on providing medical care for adults. Internal medicine providers diagnose and treat chronic and complex health conditions.

General internal medicine providers, also called internists, have deep knowledge of the body’s systems and processes. They are experts in diagnosing conditions and can help manage them across the lifespan.

Internists focus on disease prevention and overall health. They can help you adopt healthy habits and avoid preventable illnesses.

At UK HealthCare Internal Medicine, our providers have experience diagnosing, treating and managing a variety of complex conditions. These include:

• Diabetes: This chronic condition prevents your body from making enough insulin or using it properly. This causes blood sugar levels to increase. We offer treatment and management for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol): Hyperlipidemia occurs when your blood has a high amount of lipids (or fats), such as cholesterol or triglycerides. High cholesterol also occurs when you don’t have enough HDL (or good) cholesterol. We’ll discuss treatment options with you and continue to monitor your cholesterol.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure): If you have high blood pressure, you are at greater risk for serious health problems. These can include heart disease, heart attack and stroke. We can prescribe medicines and suggest lifestyle changes to help manage your blood pressure.
• Multisystem disorders: These are diseases that affect multiple organ systems. Your provider may consult with other specialists to diagnose and treat these types of conditions.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight can lead to other health issues, such as heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. We can help you find a weight-loss plan that is right for you. We can also connect you with other specialists, such as nutritionists, to help you meet your goals. We also offer a dedicated Weight Management Clinic. This clinic is led by board-certified internal medicine physicians Dr. Stephanie Rose and Dr. Allison Adams. These doctors are also certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.

When you have an exam, your provider may:

• Listen to your heart, checking for signs of an irregular heartbeat or other unusual sounds
• Check your breathing, listening for wheezing, crackling or shortness of breath
• Check your blood pressure
• Order routine screening tests, such as a lipid panel or bone-density screening

If you are having symptoms, your provider will examine you and order any tests you need. They may also refer you to a specialist if needed.

Other services internal medicine physicians offer include:

• Basic women’s health services
• Pre-operative evaluations and consultations
• Smoking cessation
• Wellness and prevention services