Description
About Dr. Anderson Ka Ho Lai
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Anderson Ka Ho Lai offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Niagara Falls, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive and patient-centred care. His practice adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe and high-quality medical services.
Dr. Lai graduated with a Medical Degree from the American University of the Caribbean, Sint Maarten. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, and has obtained certification in Geriatric Medicine. His training emphasizes a broad and thorough approach to adult health, with special expertise in managing complex medical conditions often seen in older adults.
Dedicated to a clear and educational approach, Dr. Lai is committed to serving the Niagara Falls community. He communicates fluently in English and strives to empower his patients through understanding their health conditions. His clinical philosophy centers on holistic care, emphasizing prevention, early diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Anderson Ka Ho Lai
Dr. Lai provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
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.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
Dr. Lai 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Anderson Ka Ho Lai
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- 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 Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lai. 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. Lai'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Lai's practice is located in the downtown Niagara Falls area, within the Queen Street neighbourhood, close to the commercial corridor. The location is easily accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Lai? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lai 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. Lai. 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.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced investigation of anemia or evaluation of inflammatory markers), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Chronic Liver Disease). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- 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. Lai'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.
- How does a Geriatrician's role differ?
- A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss, and polypharmacy. Dr. Lai, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.
- Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?
- While diagnosing and managing diseases like perioperative medical optimization or cognitive impairment & dementia syndromes is crucial, Dr. Lai also emphasizes maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. His goal is to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care, and participation in meaningful activities.
Contact & Licensing Information
5546 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1J4
Phone: (905) 378-4647
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Lai 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/Lai-Anderson-Ka-Ho/0333818-126829