Dr. Alexander Nathan Astell – Internist / Geriatrician | Nepean, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Alexander Nathan Astell offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Nepean, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on evidence-based, patient-centred care. He provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, adhering strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His practice is dedicated to improving health outcomes for adult patients, including older adults and seniors, through thorough assessment and individualized treatment planning.

Dr. Astell graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2016 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, reflecting his commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical competence and ongoing professional development. He has also engaged in specialized training in managing complex geriatric syndromes and chronic adult diseases, ensuring a broad expertise in adult medicine.

With an evidence-based and informative approach, Dr. Astell is committed to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to the Nepean community. He speaks English fluently and prioritizes clear communication, patient education, and shared decision-making. His clinical philosophy emphasizes integrating the latest scientific evidence into practice to optimize health outcomes and enhance quality of life for his patients.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.

Dr. Astell 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.

• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Astell. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Astell'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. Astell's practice is situated near the central Nepean neighborhood of Nepean, within Scarborough Health Centenary. The location is conveniently accessible via local public transit routes, making it easy for patients to reach the clinic from surrounding areas. The facility is in close proximity to local points of interest, including shopping centers and community services. The practice is situated within a healthcare facility that is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Astell 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. Astell. 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.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Astell will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Astell may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

What are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Astell's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

Can Dr. Alexander Nathan Astell provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Astell can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Astell will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss Dr. Astell's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

Scarborough Health Centenary
3045 Baseline Rd, Department of Medicine
Nepean, ON K2H 8P4

Phone: (613) 721-2000

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Astell 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/Astell-Alexander-Nathan/0310481-109197