Adult primary care built around you
Internal medicine focuses on the health and wellness of adults ages 18 and older. An internal medicine provider, sometimes called an internist, serves as your trusted partner for preventive care, treatment of new health concerns and management of chronic conditions, helping you live your best life at every age and stage of life.
Regular visits give you and your provider time to review your health history, talk about changes and plan the care that fits your needs. When you need testing or specialty care, your provider can help coordinate next steps. By choosing a MercyOne for primary care, you’ll have access to our extensive network of specialty care providers.
Unsure which type of primary care is right for you? Compare MercyOne primary care options, including family medicine for patients of different ages.
How Internal Medicine Providers Support Your Health
Your care plan depends on your age, health history, symptoms and goals. Internal medicine services may include the following:
Preventive and wellness care
- Routine checkups and annual wellness visits when appropriate
- Health screenings based on your age, history and risk factors
- Vaccinations based on current recommendations and your individual needs
- Conversations about sleep, nutrition, physical activity, stress and other health goals
Everyday illnesses and health concerns
- Cold, flu and allergy symptoms
- Digestive discomfort and other common concerns
- Minor infections, skin concerns, sprains and small cuts
- New symptoms that need an initial evaluation and a plan for next steps
If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Ongoing condition management
Internal medicine providers can help monitor and manage long-term conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and heart disease. Depending on your needs, care may include regular follow-up, lab review, medication management, lifestyle support and coordination with specialists.
Medication and specialty care coordination
Your internal medicine provider can assist you with medication management and coordinated care. Be sure to bring an up-to-date medication list to each visit, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements. Your provider can review how your medications fit together, discuss any questions you might have, and coordinate referrals when specialty care is needed.
Dedicated care as you age
Many internal medicine providers offer care tailored to older adults. Geriatric care helps address age-related health concerns, manage multiple conditions and medications, and coordinate care across specialists. Our goal is to help you maintain your health, safety and quality of life as you age.
Why choose MercyOne for internal medicine
At MercyOne, our internal medicine providers are dedicated to caring for adults at every stage of life. With the support of an integrated health system, you’ll have a partner for preventive care, ongoing health management and easy access to additional services whenever needed.
A relationship that grows with you: Seeing the same care team over time can make it easier to discuss changes, understand your options, and create a plan that reflects your priorities.
Care close to home: MercyOne offers internal medicine care at locations across Iowa and in western Illinois. Hours, accepting-new-patient status, appointments and visit formats vary, so use the provider and location tools for the most current information.
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Support across your care journey: When additional expertise is needed, your internal medicine provider can help coordinate testing, referrals and follow-up with the appropriate MercyOne service or specialist.
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first visit is an opportunity to get to know your provider, talk about your health goals and concerns, and create a plan for your care.
Before your visit
To your visit, please bring:
- A photo ID
- Your insurance card
- A list of current medications
- Relevant medical records
- The names of any other providers involved in your care
It can also be helpful to write down questions, symptoms or health goals you'd like to discuss. This helps ensure you and your provider can make the most of your time together.
If you receive care outside of MercyOne, contact your provider's location before your appointment to learn how to send medical records in advance. You can also use MyChart to access available health information, communicate with your care team and manage appointments.
During your visit
Your care team may review your medical and family history, medications, allergies, recent symptoms and preventive care needs. Depending on your needs, your provider may perform an exam, discuss preventive care recommendations, order screenings or tests, and develop a treatment plan tailored to your health goals.
After your visit
Before you leave, make sure you understand any recommended next steps, including tests, medications, referrals or follow-up appointments. Your care team will explain how you'll receive test results and who to contact if you have questions or if your symptoms change.
Stay connected to your care with MyChart: MyChart can help you view your visit information, test results, medication details, and future appointments when available.
