Internal Medicine

Medical Malpractice with the Baltimore Internal Medicine Lawyer

Internal medicine is a medical specialty focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and also treatment of adult diseases. Internists are doctors who provide comprehensive care for patients with generally a wide range of conditions, from common illnesses to complex chronic diseases. Medical malpractice can occur, and consequently, you may need the Baltimore internal medicine lawyer at the Kopec Law Firm.

Education, Training, and Licensing

To become an internist, physicians must complete an educational and training process. This typically involves:

• Undergraduate degree: Firstly, a bachelor’s degree, usually in a pre-med or science-related field.
• Medical school: A further four years of medical school leading to an MD or DO degree.
• Residency: Additionally, a three-year residency program in internal medicine.
• Licensing: Last, passing the Medical Licensing Examination (Step 3) and obtaining a medical license from the state where they plan to practice.

Many internists choose to pursue additional training in another specific area of internal medicine through a fellowship program, leading to board certification in a subspecialty.

Internal Medicine Subspecialties

Internal medicine encompasses several subspecialties, each with its own focus:

• Cardiology: Diseases of the heart and also the blood vessels.
• Endocrinology: Disorders of the endocrine system, including diabetes, thyroid disease, and hormone imbalances.
• Gastroenterology: Diseases of the digestive system, such as ulcers, colitis, and liver disease.
• Hematology: Blood disorders, including anemia, hemophilia, and leukemia.
• Infectious disease: Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
• Nephrology: Diseases of the kidney.
• Oncology: Cancer diagnosis and treatment.
• Pulmonology: Diseases of the lungs and also the respiratory system.
• Rheumatology: Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases affecting joints, muscles, and also other organs.

Patients and Medical Conditions

Internists care for adult patients of all ages, from young adults to older. They manage a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, including:

• Common illnesses: Respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and diabetes.
• Chronic diseases: Hypertension, heart disease, asthma, arthritis, and chronic pain.
• Complex conditions: Cancer, kidney failure, and autoimmune diseases.
• Preventive care: Vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle counseling.

If you have been injured, the Baltimore internal medicine lawyer can discuss the details of your particular medical condition with you.

Tests and Treatments

Internists utilize a variety of diagnostic tests and treatment methods, including:

• Physical exams: Assessing patient health and identifying potential problems.
• Laboratory tests: Blood tests, urine tests, and other diagnostic tests to evaluate organ function and detect disease.
• Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds to visualize internal organs and structures.
• Medications: Prescribing drugs to treat a wide range of conditions.
• Lifestyle modifications: Promoting healthy habits such as diet, exercise, and stress management.
• Procedures: Performing minor procedures like biopsies and injections.

Work Environment and Collaboration

Internists work in various settings, including:

• Private practices: Independent practices or group practices.
• Hospitals: Providing inpatient and outpatient care.
• Clinics: Offering primary care and also specialty services.
• Academic medical centers: Combining patient care with teaching and research.

Internists collaborate with other healthcare providers, such as:

• Nurses: Assisting with patient care and education.
• Nurse practitioners: Providing primary care and managing chronic conditions.
• Physician assistants: Working under the supervision of physicians to provide medical care.
• Other specialists: Consulting with specialists for complex cases.

Medical Malpractice Claims with the Baltimore Internal Medicine Lawyer

Internal medicine physicians can generally face a variety of medical malpractice claims, including:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis: Failure to accurately identify a medical condition.
• Treatment errors: Mistakes in prescribing medications or performing procedures.
• Failure to obtain informed consent: Not adequately explaining treatment options and risks.
• Breach of standard of care: Deviating from generally accepted medical practices.
• Medication errors: Incorrectly prescribing, administering, or monitoring medications.

Subspecialists in internal medicine may face additional malpractice claims specifically related to their area of expertise. For example, cardiologists may be sued for misdiagnosis of heart attacks or failure to perform timely interventions.

Next Step: Call the Baltimore Internal Medicine Lawyer

If you have been injured by an internal medicine doctor, visit the Kopec Law Firm free consultation page or video. Then contact the Kopec Law Firm at 800-604-0704 to speak directly with Attorney Mark Kopec. He is a top-rated Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer. The Kopec Law Firm is in Baltimore and pursues cases throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C.