Your first doctor for adult health
A general physician or internal medicine specialist treats adults for a very wide range of acute and long-term illnesses. Training is MBBS followed by an MD or DNB in General Medicine, three further years of study in hospital wards and clinics. Internists are skilled at diagnosing puzzling symptoms that involve more than one organ, and at coordinating care when you need other specialists. For many families, this is the doctor who sees the whole picture.
When to see an internist
- Fever lasting more than three days, with body ache, chills, cough, diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease or high cholesterol needing regular review and medicine adjustment.
- Persistent tiredness, unexplained weight change, loss of appetite, breathlessness or swelling.
- Seasonal illnesses such as dengue, malaria, typhoid and viral fever, which can look alike at first.
- Abnormal blood reports and uncertainty about which specialist to consult.
- Routine health check-ups, vaccination advice and fitness certification.
What happens at the visit
The doctor listens to your history, checks pulse, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen level, examines the relevant systems and explains a working diagnosis. Many infections are viral and need rest, fluids and symptom relief rather than antibiotics; a good internist will tell you when antibiotics are not needed, which helps protect against drug resistance.
Tests commonly advised
Depending on symptoms, doctors often start with a CBC, CRP, blood sugar, HbA1c, lipid profile, liver and kidney function tests, thyroid profile, vitamin D and B12 and a urine routine, with an ECG or chest X-ray where needed. Fever in the monsoon may need dengue NS1, a malaria test or typhoid tests. If you want a broad baseline, a health package bundles the basics at a lower combined cost.
Managing long-term illness
People with diabetes, hypertension or thyroid disease usually need review every three to six months. Keep a record of home blood-pressure and sugar readings, bring all medicines to each visit, and ask about targets. Missing doses or stopping tablets when you feel well is a common cause of complications.
Fees and choosing a doctor
Consultation fees for a general physician commonly range from about ₹300 to ₹1,200 and may vary by city, clinic and experience. Look for an MD/DNB-qualified doctor who explains your condition clearly, is easy to reach for follow-up, and refers you promptly when needed. Check reviews for how well the doctor listens and communicates.
Online or in-clinic
Online consultation is convenient for mild fever, cold, review of reports, repeat prescriptions and chronic-disease follow-up. Severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, persistent vomiting or high fever with warning signs need an in-person examination or emergency care. Compare physicians on Lab Dekho and book an in-clinic or video consultation.
Trusted References
This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.