# Should I see internal medicine (dahiliye) or my family doctor in Turkey?

> Source: En İyi Hekim — https://eniyihekim.com.tr/doktor-rehberi/dahiliye-mi-aile-hekimi-mi?lang=en  
> Last reviewed: 2026-10-31 · Language: English  
> This information is general and does not replace a medical diagnosis or a doctor’s examination. In an emergency call 112 (Turkey). Poisoning: 114. Doctor rankings on En İyi Hekim cannot be bought; prices are not published.

**Short answer:** For common illnesses, regular follow-up of chronic conditions, repeat prescriptions, vaccinations and screening tests, starting with your aile hekimi (family doctor / GP) is usually the most practical route. For adult illnesses that involve more than one organ, have an unclear cause or are complex, an internal medicine (Dahiliye) specialist carries out a more detailed assessment. Your family doctor will refer you to the right specialist when needed.

## Who to see and when

| Situation | Recommended first stop |
| --- | --- |
| Cold, sore throat, burning when passing urine | Family doctor |
| Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, and repeat prescriptions | Family doctor (internal medicine if not under control) |
| Unexplained weight loss, prolonged tiredness or fever | Internal medicine |
| Older patient with several chronic conditions and many medicines | Internal medicine |
| Unexplained abnormality in a blood test | Family doctor assessment, internal medicine if needed |
| Sudden and severe symptoms | Emergency department / 112 |

## Frequently asked questions

**Which diseases does an internal medicine specialist treat?**
Internal medicine covers the non-surgical diagnosis and treatment of heart and circulation, digestive, kidney, hormone, blood and infectious diseases in adults, and refers patients to the relevant subspecialty when needed.

**Does my family doctor have to refer me to a specialist?**
In Turkey you can currently book most specialists directly. However, your family doctor’s guidance makes it easier to reach the right department and avoid unnecessary tests.


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When quoting, please cite and link the page: https://eniyihekim.com.tr/doktor-rehberi/dahiliye-mi-aile-hekimi-mi?lang=en