Frequently Asked Questions
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Around the world the term specialist physician (or just physician) refers to a specialist in internal medicine or one of its many sub-specialties (especially as opposed to a specialist in surgery). This meaning of physician conveys a sense of expertise in treatment by drugs or medications, rather than by the procedures of surgeons. In certain countries, physician may refer to any doctor and not necessarily a doctor who has specialised in internal medicine and this often leads to confusion. In South Africa the term physician refers to a specialist in internal medicine.
- Examining patients to determine the causes of their problems
- Undertaking laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.
- Prescribing medication rather than performing procedures/surgery.
- Pneumonia, asthma and other lung conditions
- Renal disease
- Cardiovascular medicine
- Critical Care Medicine (ICU)
- Detailed consultation and clinical evaluation
- 24hr ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)
- Electrocardiograms (ECG)
- Exercise stress test
- Lung Function tests
- Emergency Unit cover when on call