Should I see internal medicine (dahiliye) or my family doctor in Turkey?
Which complaints to take to your family doctor and which to internal medicine (dahiliye) in Turkey; the difference between them, and referrals.
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 |
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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.
Related questions
- What is a pratisyen hekim (general practitioner) in Turkey and what do they treat?
- How do I change my family doctor (aile hekimi) in Turkey?
- What is a subspecialist (yan dal uzmanı)? Main specialty vs subspecialty in Turkey
- How do I get a second medical opinion in Turkey? When should I see another doctor?
- What should I ask my doctor? A checklist for your appointment
Sources
This content is based on information published by official bodies and on current Turkish legislation; rules and practice may change. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page is for general information and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. In an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). En İyi Hekim does not rank doctors as “the best”; positions in listings cannot be bought.