Dr. Kalpa Shah – Internist / Geriatrician | Barrie, ON

Dr. Kalpa Shah, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Barrie, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered care. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality, safety, and professionalism in every consultation.

She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adults, including seniors. Dr. Shah is dedicated to diagnosing, managing, and coordinating treatment plans for a wide spectrum of adult medical conditions, emphasizing holistic approaches that consider both medical and functional aspects of health.

Dr. Shah graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2012 in Canada. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and fellowship in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, equipping her with specialized skills to serve her patient population effectively. Her training emphasizes a thorough understanding of adult and geriatric health issues, with a focus on evidence-based practices.

Her clinical philosophy is clear and educational, prioritizing patient understanding and shared decision-making. She is committed to the community of Barrie and speaks English fluently, ensuring effective communication with her patients. Dr. Shah is dedicated to improving health outcomes and quality of life for her patients through compassionate, informed, and individualized care.

Dr. Shah provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.

Dr. Shah manages a wide range of complex adult and geriatric health conditions. This list highlights common areas of focus. If your condition is not listed, please note that internal medicine specialists address diverse and often multi-systemic diseases. Consultation is typically initiated via referral from your primary care physician.

• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Shah. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, she provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Shah's scope of practice, please discuss with your referring physician or contact the clinic.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Dr. Shah's practice is located in the downtown Barrie area, within the East Bayfield neighborhood. She practices as part of the Summerville Family Health Team, providing accessible and integrated care to her patients. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Barrie Community Sports Complex and the Allandale Waterfront GO Station. Patients can access the clinic easily via Barrie Transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Shah? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Shah are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)) when you present a valid health card and have the required referral. You generally do not pay directly for the consultation service itself. Some specific procedures, forms, or administrative tasks might not be covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and may incur a separate fee according to provincial guidelines. Please inquire if you have questions about uninsured services.

Can I book an appointment directly or do I absolutely need a referral?

A referral from your family physician or another medical specialist is required to see Dr. Shah. As experts in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Internists and Geriatricians see patients based on specific medical questions posed by the referring doctor. This ensures continuity of care and that the consultation is appropriate for your needs. Please have your doctor forward the referral information.

Can a family member or friend accompany me to the appointment?

Yes, absolutely. Patients are welcome to bring a family member, friend, or caregiver to their appointment for support, to help recall information, or to ask questions. Especially for complex discussions or if memory is a concern, having a second person present can be very beneficial.

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Perioperative Medical Optimization is crucial, Dr. Shah also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care, and participation in meaningful activities.

Summerville Family Health Team
201 Georgian Drive
Barrie, ON L4M 6M2

Phone: (705) 728-9802

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Shah is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Shah-Kalpa/0280719-97659