General internists are equipped to handle a broad and comprehensive spectrum of illnesses that affect adults. They are recognized as experts in diagnosis, in treatment of chronic illness, and in health promotion and disease prevention—they are not limited to one type of medical problem or organ system. General internists are equipped to deal with most problems a patient brings—no matter how common or rare, or how simple or complex. They are specially trained to solve puzzling diagnostic problems and can handle severe chronic illnesses and situations where several different illnesses may strike at the same time.
With more complex medical issues internists are the ones coordinating chronic specialist’s care, overseeing, following patients’ preventative care and diagnosing/treating acute illnesses. Usually, in case of severe multiple-illnesses, the patient is treated in hospital by multi-specialty group. After being released, the internist coordinates the follow-up care.