Internal Medicine
Board-certified internal medicine for complex adult health — from diagnosis through ongoing management.
Internal medicine is essential for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of a wide range of adult health conditions. At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, your physician provides comprehensive internal medicine care, addressing everything from routine health checkups to complex chronic diseases. Whether you need preventative screenings or help managing an existing condition, we offer personalized care that focuses on long-term health and wellness.
Internal Medicine Q & A
What is Internal Medicine?
Internal medicine involves the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of health issues affecting adults, from common ailments to more complex, multi-system diseases. Internists, like your physician, are trained to manage conditions that impact multiple organs and systems. They focus on disease prevention, health promotion, and the treatment of chronic illnesses.
Internal medicine doctors are experts in diagnosing puzzling medical issues and managing complex health problems. They also coordinate care across various specialties to ensure a comprehensive approach to your health.
When Should I See an Internal Medicine Doctor?
It is important to schedule an internal medicine checkup at least once a year. Regular visits are key to maintaining good health, even if you feel fine. Many chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes don’t present obvious symptoms until they’ve become more severe. By scheduling routine visits, we can detect issues early, which often leads to better treatment outcomes.
What Services Does Internal Medicine Include?
At Three Rivers Concierge Medicine, your physician offers a wide range of services in internal medicine, including:
- Preventative care: Routine checkups, screenings, and vaccinations to prevent health issues.
- Chronic disease management: Monitoring and treating ongoing conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
- Acute illness management: Treating infections, flu, and other sudden health concerns.
- Diagnostic testing: Blood work, imaging, and other tests to identify underlying conditions.
- Health education: Guidance on lifestyle changes, nutrition, exercise, and mental health.
- Medication management: Prescribing and adjusting medications for chronic conditions.
How Does Internal Medicine Help with Chronic Conditions?
Internal medicine is particularly effective in managing chronic conditions by taking a comprehensive approach. For example, managing diabetes not only involves medication but also lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. Your physician provides ongoing support to help you manage your chronic condition effectively, minimizing complications and improving your quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an internist and how is it different from a family doctor?
An internist specializes exclusively in adult medicine, with advanced training in diagnosing complex, multi-system conditions that general family practitioners may not encounter as frequently. Dr. Shoemaker at Three Rivers Concierge Medicine is board-certified in internal medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), meaning she completed a rigorous 3-year residency focused specifically on adult disease diagnosis and management. This expertise is particularly valuable for adults with multiple health concerns or puzzling symptoms that haven't been resolved elsewhere.
What conditions does an internal medicine doctor treat?
Internists manage the full spectrum of adult health — from routine preventive care and acute illnesses (infections, flu, injuries) to complex chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and multi-system diseases. At Three Rivers in Creve Coeur, Dr. Shoemaker also coordinates referrals and specialist care to ensure your treatment stays unified. This breadth of scope means one physician manages your complete health picture.
Why choose an internist for primary care?
Internal medicine physicians receive 3+ years of specialized residency training in adult disease diagnosis and management beyond medical school, giving them deeper expertise in the conditions most likely to affect you as an adult. At Three Rivers, this clinical depth is paired with the concierge model's extended visits and direct access, creating a level of diagnostic thoroughness that standard primary care can't match. If you want a physician who can solve complex problems — not just manage simple ones — an internist is the right choice.
How often should I see my internal medicine doctor?
At minimum, annually for a comprehensive evaluation — but patients with chronic conditions, medication regimens, or active health goals benefit from more frequent visits. The Three Rivers concierge model makes this practical: unlimited visits, same-day availability, and direct physician access mean your care stays current rather than falling behind. Dr. Shoemaker adjusts visit frequency based on your health needs, not an arbitrary schedule.
Do you manage medications for multiple conditions?
Yes — medication management across multiple conditions is one of internal medicine's core competencies. The CDC's National Center for Health Statistics reports that over 40% of adults aged 65 and older take five or more prescription medications, making coordinated oversight critical to preventing harmful interactions and redundancies. Dr. Shoemaker reviews your complete medication list at Three Rivers in St. Louis, especially when you're seeing multiple specialists who may not be coordinating prescriptions.
Is Three Rivers accepting new internal medicine patients?
Yes — Three Rivers Concierge Medicine in Creve Coeur is currently accepting new members, though panel size is intentionally limited to maintain the quality of care. Start with a complimentary consultation to meet Dr. Shoemaker and discuss your health needs. Call (314) 744-5914 or schedule online.
