Internal Medicine in Czech Republic

Internal medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of internal diseases in adults. It covers a wide variety of conditions that affect the internal organs of the body, including the heart, liver and gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, and urinary tract, spinal column, brain, nerves, muscles, and joints. Physicians who specialize in internal medicine are called internists or internal medicine physicians. They treat adults of all ages and are usually the first point of treatment. Internists are skilled in the management of patients who have multi-system disease processes. There are numerous subspecialties, including endocrinology, cardiology, infectious diseases, hematology, pulmonary disease, gastroenterology, rheumatology, oncology, and immunology.

Since internal medicine is a broad field, the work of internists varies a lot. For example, they could work with a patient who has diabetes and another patient with an ear infection. Some of the most common conditions that are diagnosed and treated by internists are as follows:

• Asthma
• Acute respiratory infections
• Diabetes
• Chest pain
• Bronchitis
• Fatigue
• Hypertension
• Influenza
• High blood cholesterol and triglycerides
• Menopause
• Hypothyroidism
• Sinus infections
• Osteoarthritis
• Migraine
• Pneumonia
• Osteoporosis.

Internists mainly focused on the diagnosis and treatment with medications. The following are some common procedures they perform:

• Chronic disease management
• Breathing treatments and medications
• General health procedures, such as immunization and annual physical exam
• Medication administration, such as antibiotic injections and intravenous fluid for dehydration
• Minor procedures, such as stitches, stitch or staple removal, wart removal
• Pre-operative and post-operative care
• Injury-related procedures, such as immobilizing sprains
• Healthy lifestyle counseling
• Family planning prescriptions and treatments, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), oral contraceptives, and hormone patches and shots
• Nutrition and weight counseling, such as ways to avoid malnutrition and maintain a normal weight.

How Long Should I Stay in Czech Republic?                   

Your length of stay depends on the procedure you underwent and the illness or disease you have. Plan to stay in Czech Republic for at least 2 to 7 days. Before you are allowed to travel home, your doctor may schedule a follow-up appointment where your doctor evaluates how your body is responding to treatments. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Since internal medicine covers a wide range of conditions, the recovery time can vary a lot. The recovery period depends on the type of treatment, specific condition, and overall health. Most of the time, you will be allowed to resume normal activities (usually with certain restrictions) once you do not feel any symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily tasks. However, make sure to talk to your doctor first before you decide to return to work and go back to your normal routine. Your doctor will likely give you a detailed recovery timeline. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your doctor will give you a specific aftercare instruction that is designed for your specific condition. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely to avoid complications and to have a quick recovery time. If your doctor prescribes medicine, ensure to take it as directed. With chronic disease management, you will be given tips for self-management, and you may need to see your internist regularly.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of internal medicine and medical technology, as well as the extensive knowledge and experience of internists, have made internal medicine procedures highly successful and safe. All medical procedure carries some types of risks, but the risks of internal medicine procedures are typically minimal. For example, a medication used for breathing treatment may cause headaches, nervousness, shakiness, irritability, and heart palpitations.

Are there Alternatives?

The alternative depends on the specific disease or illness you have. In most cases, seeing an internist is the first point of treatment. Your internist may then refer you to or work with the relevant specialists.

Internal Medicine in and around Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is a landlocked country in Central Europe and it has a rich and eventful history, as well as amazing attractions. From medieval towns and magnificent castles to picturesque national parks and relaxing spa resorts, it has a lot to offer. The country also boasts top-quality healthcare and is emerging as a popular medical tourism destination. Medical procedures in the country are performed with the latest technology and techniques. The medical professionals are highly qualified, well trained, and internationally recognized. Besides, the cost of medical procedures in the country is extremely competitive. Medical tourists can make significant savings compared to most other countries in Europe. Cosmetic surgery is particularly popular among international medical tourists.

Popular Parts of Czech Republic

Prague is the capital and is popular for its fine dining, eccentric nightlife, and wonderfully preserved medieval buildings with Gothic architecture, such as Prague Castle, the 14th-century Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock. Along with Prague, Ceský Krumlov and Brno are frequently visited by tourists as well.

Weather and Climate in the Czech Republic

Due to its location, the Czech Republic has a mostly temperate climate. Extreme weather is rare, but the summers can get hot and the winters cold. Summer starts in June and the days can be scorching hot. The average temperature is around 26°C, but in recent years, it tends to rise to 37°C. Winter, from November to March, can get rather cold. The average temperatures drop to around 2°C during the day and -2°C at night, with some snowfall and rain. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September – October) have beautiful weather.

Getting around in the Czech Republic

Václav Havel Airport Prague is the main airport where international visitors fly into and out of the Czech Republic. It serves numerous flights to many cities around Europe and Asia, including London, Moscow, Dubai, and Seoul. The Czech Republic has an affordable and reliable public transport system. Domestic flights are available, but rarely necessary. The rail network is affordable and very comprehensive, covering almost every city and town in the county. The bus also has extensive coverage throughout the country. Public transport within cities is also excellent. In major cities, you can opt for the metro, tram, bus, or trolleybuses. Taxis are widely available and are metered, but the fares are higher at night.

Tourist Visas in the Czech Republic

Nationals of all EU countries do not need a visa to visit and stay in the Czech Republic. The country is a part of the Schengen area, which means citizens of around 62 countries can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. These visa-exempt countries include Australia, Canada, the US, and South Korea. Citizens of other countries are required to apply for a visa before visiting the country. Those who want to receive medical care should obtain a Czech Republic Visa for Medical Purposes.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Czech Koruna/Czech Crown (CZK) is the currency of the Czech Republic. 1 USD is equivalent to 22.98 CZK. Note that the euro is not widely accepted in the country.​​​​​​
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widespread around the Czech Republic. Major credit cards, such as MasterCard and Visa, are accepted for many types of transactions, but you may need to pay in cash for smaller amounts. Tipping is expected, especially in restaurants. Tip at least 10% of the bill.
3. Local Language: The official and most commonly spoken language is Czech, but Slovak is widely spoken as well. Many people, particularly in major cities, can speak English and German.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population is religiously unaffiliated and does not believe in God. However, Christianity is the largest religion. Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Paganism are also practiced by a small percentage of the population.
5. Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Liberation Day, Sts Cyril & Methodius Day, Jan Hus Day, Republic Day, and Czech Statehood Day are some of the most important public holidays in the Czech Republic.