General medicine

General medicine (sometimes called internal medicine) focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. It’s often the starting point if you have complex symptoms or ongoing health concerns that affect more than one system in the body.

At Spire Healthcare, our consultants take a holistic approach - coordinating care across multiple specialties to help identify the cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to you. 

Our general medicine consultants can help with a wide range of conditions and symptoms, including:

Heart and circulation - High blood pressure (hypertension), heart rhythm problems (palpitations, irregular heartbeat), high cholesterol

Digestive health - Acid reflux and indigestion, bowel disorders and abdominal pain, liver and pancreatic conditions

Endocrine and metabolic health- Diabetes (type 1 and type 2), thyroid and hormone imbalances, metabolic syndrome

Respiratory health - Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), persistent cough or shortness of breath

Kidney and urinary conditions- Kidney disease, urinary tract infections, electrolyte imbalances

General health and wellness - Fatigue, weight loss or unexplained symptoms

Our hospitals offer a wide range of on-site diagnostics to support fast and accurate diagnosis, including:

• Blood and urine tests
• ECG and heart monitoring
• Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans
• Lung function tests
• Blood pressure and cardiovascular assessments

You’ll usually receive your results quickly, followed by a consultation to discuss your next steps.

What does a general medicine consultant do?
A general medicine consultant specialises in diagnosing and managing a broad range of adult conditions. They look at your overall health, order appropriate tests, and coordinate care with other specialists when needed.

When should I see a general medicine specialist?
If you have persistent or unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, or changes in weight - or if you have several conditions that need ongoing management, a general medicine consultant may help identify the cause and guide your care.

Is general medicine the same as internal medicine?
Yes. General medicine is another name for internal medicine, which focuses on adult health and complex or chronic medical conditions.

Will I need tests before my appointment?
In most cases, your consultant will discuss your symptoms first and then recommend appropriate tests, which can often be arranged on the same day or shortly after your appointment.

Do I need a GP referral to book?
No, you can book a private general medicine appointment directly with Spire Healthcare. A GP referral is not required to see most consultants but if you have a complex medical history it is helpful for our team to have access to this. We’ll share your results with your GP if you wish. This is helpful if you have ongoing medical needs.

How much does a general medicine consultation cost?
Consultation fees vary depending on your consultant and hospital. Your local Spire hospital can confirm prices and explain any additional costs for diagnostic tests.

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