Dr. Andrea Montis Beck – Internist / Geriatrician | Victoria, BC

Dr. Andrea Montis Beck is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Victoria, BC, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to specialized internal medicine and geriatric services. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), emphasizing patient-centered, evidence-based care.

Dr. Beck graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from Tulane University School of Medicine in 2007, and has completed extensive post-graduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She holds certification in relevant subspecialties, ensuring her expertise in managing complex adult and aging-related health issues. Her ongoing professional development reflects her commitment to maintaining high standards of clinical practice.

Her clinical philosophy centers on a professional and holistic approach, tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Dr. Beck is dedicated to serving the Victoria community and speaks English fluently. She strives to foster collaborative relationships with her patients, focusing on improving quality of life through comprehensive assessment and personalized management plans.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• 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.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• 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.

Dr. Beck 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.

• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Beck. 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. Beck'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 British Columbia (CPSBC).

Dr. Beck's practice is situated in a convenient central location near the Victoria neighborhoods, providing easy access for residents of Victoria and surrounding areas. The facility is easily accessible via the Saanich Highway and is well-connected by the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Patients can access public transportation options readily. The practice location is wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free entry for all patients. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by private vehicle.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Beck? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Beck are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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. Beck. 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.

How long should I expect my appointment to last?

Initial consultations with Dr. Beck are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Beck 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. Beck 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 is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Beck uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

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

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Chronic Respiratory Diseases or Perioperative Medical Optimization is crucial, Dr. Beck 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 (Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease), and participation in meaningful activities.

1 Hospital Way, Entrance N275, Victoria General Hospital
Victoria, BC V8Z 6R5

Phone: (250) 727-4212 | Fax: (250) 727-4083

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Beck is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/373616/Beck%2CAndrea