Internal Medicine

Staying on top of your health can be difficult at times. This is especially true for patients who are suffering from illnesses and chronic conditions. At Reno Sparks Medspa in Reno, NV , we are passionate about simplifying your health journey through comprehensive, personalized care. We specialize in the practice of internal medicine for adults and adolescents across a wide spectrum of health and illness.

What is Internal Medicine?

Internal medicine is an advanced and in-depth facet of health offered by a specific type of physician known as an internist. Internal medicine offers a comprehensive approach to all aspects of adult health as it applies to minor or chronic illnesses. They often serve as primary care providers, offering a range of services that include annual exams, preventive screenings, and chronic disease management.

There are so many vital functions within the body that can affect our overall health. Our interests are not limited to treating only one internal organ. They are somewhat puzzle solvers of the medical field that can precisely identify and treat underlying issues contributing to an illness. They are knowledgeable and highly-qualified to treat many medical concerns within the organ system. This can range from simple to more rare medical conditions.

Simply put, internal medicine is to adults what pediatrics is to children. It is the first place you go. When your internist is very capable, specialty consultations can be reduced.

Dr. Van Reken applies his scientific knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise to effectively diagnose, treat, and provide superior patient care. Dr. Van Reken is qualified to diagnose and treat adults and adolescents affected by a range of chronic illnesses, providing disease prevention, while supporting health and longevity. 

Benefits of Choosing an Internist

Choosing an internist as your primary care physician offers a wide range of advantages that support both everyday wellness and long-term health. At Reno Sparks MedSpa, Dr. Van Reken combines experience, compassion, and medical expertise to provide patients with care that goes far beyond routine check-ups. Some of the key benefits include:

Comprehensive Care for Complex Needs

Internists are trained to diagnose and manage both common health issues and complicated conditions. This makes them well-suited for patients who have multiple or overlapping medical concerns.

Continuity Throughout Adulthood

An internist follows your health journey from adolescence through your senior years. This ongoing relationship enables your doctor to identify small changes, provide personalized guidance, and foster a trusted partnership over time.

Proactive Disease Prevention

Regular screenings, lab work, and wellness counseling help identify health concerns — such as diabetes, hypertension, or thyroid issues — before they progress. Preventive care helps lower long-term risks and improves overall quality of life.

Reduced Emergency Visits

By addressing symptoms early, internists often prevent issues from escalating into urgent or emergencies. This means fewer unexpected hospital visits and better day-to-day management.

Personalized, Patient-Centered Approach

With a detailed understanding of your health history, lifestyle, and goals, your internist can create treatment plans that fit your unique needs.

Coordinated Specialist Referrals

When advanced care is necessary, your internist ensures communication with specialists so that each part of your treatment plan works together seamlessly.

These benefits translate into reliable, ongoing care you can trust. Dr. Van Reken’s role as both a physician and health advocate helps patients stay well, manage chronic conditions, and feel supported at every stage of life.

Goal of Internal Medicine

Dr. Van Reken’s goal is to provide the best possible care for optimal health and longevity throughout life. At Reno Sparks MedSpa we have a passion for providing personalized treatment, as well as educating patients so they can gain the understanding and comfort they need. 

This begins with prevention using annual exams, screenings, and lifestyle counseling to reduce the risk of chronic disease. By identifying health concerns early, patients can take proactive steps that support long-term wellness. For those already living with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disorders, or high blood pressure, our goal is to provide steady management that minimizes complications and helps patients stay active and independent.

Equally important is the role of education and empowerment. Dr. Van Reken takes time to explain diagnoses, answer questions, and ensure patients feel comfortable with their treatment plan. By working together, patients gain the confidence to take charge of their own health.

What Conditions We Treat

Internal medicine encompasses a broad spectrum of health concerns, ranging from everyday wellness needs to complex chronic conditions. Dr. Van Reken offers comprehensive care for adults and adolescents in various areas of health. Our specialized internal medicine can provide services for:

• Men’s and Women’s health
• Mental health
• Skin treatments/dermatology
• Cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular risk reduction
• Diabetes, thyroid and other endocrine disorders
• Nervous system abnormalities
• Preventative services
• Eye and ear conditions
• Reproductive organs and contraception
• Urinary Incontinence
• Sexual dysfunction in men
• Menopausal issues in women
• Internal organ health
• And more!

Dr. Van Reken’s expertise allows patients to address multiple concerns with one trusted physician. Whether it’s managing a chronic condition, treating an acute illness, or focusing on prevention, internal medicine ensures your health is cared for in a thorough, coordinated way.

Our Approach

With continuing progress in medicine Dr. Van Reken is always reading to keep up on the latest. He is passionate about incorporating the latest findings and information to help you overcome illness and achieve overall health. Our team’s goal is to support the health and wellness of each one of our patients throughout each season of life. No matter how simple or complex the health concern, our years of experience and knowledge can help support you on every step of your health journey.

What to Expect as a Patient

We want your experience with internal medicine to feel thorough, personalized, and supportive from the very first visit. Here’s what you can expect when you come to see Dr. Van Reken:

Comprehensive Consultation

Your first appointment begins with a detailed review of your medical history, lifestyle, and any current concerns. Dr. Van Reken takes the time to listen closely and answer your questions so that you feel heard and understood.

Physical Exam & Diagnostic Testing

Depending on your needs, a physical exam and basic diagnostic tests may be performed. If additional labs or imaging are required, our team will coordinate them promptly.

Personalized Treatment Plan

After gathering the necessary information, Dr. Van Reken develops a treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals. This may include medication management, lifestyle recommendations, or preventative screenings.

Follow-Up & Ongoing Care

Internal medicine is about building a long-term partnership. Follow-up visits allow us to monitor progress, adjust treatments, and provide continued support for both acute and chronic conditions.

Specialist Referrals When Needed

If your care requires input from a specialist, Dr. Van Reken ensures a smooth referral process and remains involved to keep your overall care plan coordinated.

Throughout each step, our focus is on comfort, education, and empowerment. We want every patient to leave feeling confident about their health and the next steps in their care. At Reno Sparks MedSpa, you’re gaining a trusted partner dedicated to your long-term well-being.

Preventative Care & Wellness

Preventative care is the foundation of long-term health. Dr. Van Reken emphasizes proactive strategies that help patients maintain their health, reduce their risk of chronic illness, and enjoy a higher quality of life. Our preventative services include:

Annual Exams & Health Screenings

Routine check-ups enable the early detection of conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and certain types of cancer. Identifying these concerns early leads to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Vaccinations & Immunizations

Staying up to date on flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, tetanus boosters, and other recommended immunizations provides essential protection for both adolescents and adults.

Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Through monitoring, lab work, and lifestyle counseling, we help patients lower their risk for heart disease, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Counseling

Diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep are key factors in overall wellness. We provide guidance that is realistic and tailored to your unique needs, helping to prevent obesity, osteoporosis, and related conditions.

Health Education & Family History Review

Preventative care also means understanding your personal risk factors. By reviewing your family history and lifestyle, Dr. Van Reken can recommend targeted testing and customized health strategies.

Ongoing Physician Relationship

Establishing care with an internist means you have a trusted partner who will monitor your health year after year. This consistency enables us to identify small changes before they escalate into major issues.

Preventative care is not just about avoiding illness — it’s about building a healthier future. At Reno Sparks MedSpa, our goal is to help every patient thrive through proactive, personalized care.

Insurance & Payment Information for Internal Medicine

We want to make managing your healthcare as straightforward as possible. Dr. Van Reken accepts most major insurance plans. Our staff will verify your coverage when you schedule an appointment. 

Some carriers, such as Hometown Health Plan (HHP), require patients to list Dr. Van Reken as their primary care provider before the first visit. This update must be completed directly with your insurance company by phone or online. If the change is not made in advance, your visit may be considered “out-of-network” and require full payment at the time of service.

We are participating providers with many insurance companies, including:

• All Saint Mary’s
• Hometown Health
• CDS
• United Healthcare
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of California
• PEBP
• Health Plan of Nevada
• Universal Health

Since networks can change, we recommend confirming your participation when scheduling your appointment.

For uninsured patients, we gladly accept cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and debit cards. Payment for services, including co-pays and non-covered procedures, is due at the time of your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Internal Medicine

Do I still need an internist if I feel healthy?

Yes. Even if you feel perfectly fine, regular visits to an internist are one of the best ways to maintain long-term health. Internal medicine physicians focus on prevention by monitoring risk factors, providing screenings, and giving guidance on lifestyle habits that protect against future illness. Preventive care allows problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol to be caught early, before they become serious health concerns.

How often should I see my doctor?

Most healthy adults should schedule a comprehensive exam annually, but patients with chronic illnesses or ongoing conditions may require more frequent visits. During these check-ups, your internist reviews your overall health, updates vaccinations, and orders any necessary lab work. Think of your annual visit as a reset button that ensures you stay on top of your health goals.

What’s the difference between urgent care and internal medicine?

Urgent care centers are designed for short-term, immediate issues such as a sore throat, a minor injury, or sudden illness when your regular doctor is unavailable. Internal medicine, on the other hand, focuses on your long-term health. Your internist not only treats urgent concerns but also manages chronic conditions, provides preventative screenings, and maintains an ongoing relationship with you as your primary care provider.

Can my internist help with mental health?

Absolutely. Internists are trained to address both the physical and emotional aspects of health. Dr. Van Reken can help with common issues like anxiety, depression, stress management, and sleep disturbances. If specialized care is needed, he can coordinate referrals while continuing to support your overall treatment plan.

Do you also provide care for adolescents?

Yes. Internal medicine typically focuses on adults, but at Reno Sparks MedSpa, we also care for adolescents. This makes us a strong choice for families with teens transitioning from pediatric to adult care, ensuring continuity of care during a crucial stage of life.

Why Choose Reno Sparks MedSpa for Internal Medicine?

Choosing the right physician is one of the most important health decisions you can make. At Reno Sparks MedSpa, Dr. Van Reken offers the experience, dedication, and patient-first approach you deserve in a trusted internist. With extensive training in internal medicine, he brings both scientific expertise and genuine compassion to every patient encounter. His goal is not only to treat illness but also to help patients prevent disease and build healthier, more fulfilling lives.

What sets our practice apart is the unique integration of internal medicine and medspa services under one roof. Patients can address both their medical and aesthetic goals in a single, convenient location, with a physician who understands the connection between overall health and self-confidence. This comprehensive model allows for personalized care that supports the whole person — body and mind.

Our patients also appreciate the community connection we bring to healthcare. Serving Reno, Sparks, and surrounding areas, Dr. Van Reken and our team are committed to providing accessible, high-quality care for families in Northern Nevada. From adolescents to seniors, we take pride in building lasting relationships that support patients throughout every stage of life.

Choosing us means partnering with a healthcare provider who will advocate for you, listen to your concerns, and guide you with expertise you can trust.

Take the Next Step Toward Better Health

Your health is one of your most valuable assets, and having the right physician by your side makes all the difference. At Reno Sparks MedSpa , Dr. Van Reken provides compassionate, comprehensive internal medicine for adults and adolescents in the Reno area. Whether you need support managing a chronic condition, guidance on preventative care, or treatment for an acute illness, you can trust that your care will be tailored to your needs and backed by years of experience.

If you’re ready to take a proactive step toward lasting wellness, we invite you to schedule an appointment with our office. Together, we’ll create a plan that helps you stay healthy, prevent disease, and feel confident about your future. Call us at (775) 571-4665 today or book your appointment online to get started.