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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a general internist/ internal medicine specialist?

Internal medicine is a broad-based specialty that is dedicated to providing specialty care to adults.

Internists diagnose and manage diseases involving any of the organ systems and are specially trained to manage seriously ill patients suffering from advanced illness and/or diseases of more than one system.

Internists provide care in an office setting and in hospitals. They tend to the general medical needs of their patients in the office, including disease prevention, early detection of disease, screening, patient education and follow-up care from hospitalization.

Internists manage acute and chronic illness of their patients and other patients that have been referred to them by other practitioners such as family physicians. They are also trained to meet the special needs of elders.

What types of people does a general internist help?

  • People with medical conditions that are complex or uncontrolled, with risks to their health unless things change
  • People who have symptoms that are mysterious or unexplained
  • People who have a new diagnosis that requires the right medicines to manage

What common conditions does an internist treat?

  • Heart disease: heart attacks, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and other abnormal heart rhythms, heart valve disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Lung disease, like COPD, asthma, and other disease
  • Blood clots
  • Kidney disease
  • Abnormal levels of sodium, calcium, or other blood tests
  • Liver disease and cirrhosis
  • Stroke risk reduction
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Thyroid disease
  • Blood disorders such as anemia
  • Dementia/Alzheimers
  • Sepsis and infection
  • Cancer
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other disorders of inflammation

Do you take appointments without a referral?

Unfortunately, no. You must have your GP or other health care practitioner send us a referral. Our office will not book your appointment without a referral.

What are some ways I can lead a healthier lifestyle?

  • PaRx is Canada’s first national, evidence-based nature prescription program for those who would like to spend more time in nature. Learn more about the specific health benefits of nature here. And when you come for a visit to the clinic, make sure you ask us for a free Parks Canada Discovery Pass!
  • Inquire with Dr. Lea about joining the Happy Hearts exercise programs.
  • Ask for a referral from your GP or Dr. Lea to the hospital dietitian.
  • Visit QuitNow.ca to quit smoking.

I have a question about my medications.

During your appointment, there may be medication prescribed to you. For any follow-ups regarding your medication, consult your pharmacist, call our office, or call your GP.

Other questions to ask your pharmacist to help make the process easier:

  • Are there ways that my pills can be cheaper?
  • Splitting a higher dose tablet into two — usually cuts the price in half — if you’re able to use a pill-splitter (people with arthritis or other hand conditions might struggle with this)
  • Decreasing dispensing fees
  • Using combination tablets to reduce the number of pills
  • Changing from twice per day medicines to once per day

Contact

Phone: (604) 885 – 7103

Fax: 1 (855) 952 – 1711

Suite 103, 5631 Inlet Avenue

PO Box 799

Sechelt, BC  V0N 3A0

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We acknowledge that we work and reside on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territory of the shíshálh Nation.

DISCLAIMERS

This website does not represent medical advice and is for information purposes only. If you have an emergency, please present yourself to the nearest emergency department.
See the Terms and Conditions.