Internal medicine doctors are also known as internists. They specialize in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of conditions and diseases in adults 18 and older. Internal medicine physicians provide general medical care and help patients manage chronic and complex conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes. When needed, your internal medicine doctor will provide referrals to specialists.

As primary care providers, internal medicine physicians help you manage your health.

Services include:

• Preventive screenings
• Routine, annual check-ups
• Health risk assessment
• Personalized counseling on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• Management of chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and high cholesterol
• Regular gynecological screenings, such as breast exams and Pap smears
• Referrals to and coordination with specialists

Our internists are board-certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), and many have additional training or a clinical interest in men's health, women's health, sports medicine and geriatrics.

Virtual Care at Scripps allows you to receive care with a Scripps provider at your convenience from home or another location. Telemedicine options include video visits and e-visits; we also offer a free symptom checker so you can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best route of care.

Scripps HealthExpress same-day, walk-in clinics provide care for minor illnesses and injuries and administer select vaccinations. HealthExpress clinics are open every day, including weekends and holidays. You can go online to view wait times at nearby HealthExpress clinics, then select the On My Way option to be added to the queue of patients waiting to be seen.

When you have a more serious illness or injury, but not serious enough for the emergency room, our three urgent care centers are available, including a 24-hour urgent care in La Jolla. 

Always go the emergency room when life or limb are at risk. The emergency physicians and staff are ready for any critical situation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.