Dr. Andrew James Patterson – Family Doctor | Belleville, ON

Dr. Andrew James Patterson is a Family Doctor. Practicing at London Health Sciences Centre in Belleville, ON, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. He focuses on providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Andrew James Patterson completed his Medical Degree. He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include empowering patients through clear communication, comprehensive health education, and fostering active participation in their own health decisions; a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; a holistic approach to health, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social factors that influence a patient's well-being. He provides consultations in English.

Dr. Andrew James Patterson provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: A supportive, holistic, and patient-centered primary care approach to helping individuals manage the complex and often debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia (widespread pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbance, cognitive dysfunction - 'fibro fog', mood disturbances), aiming to improve daily function, reduce pain interference, and enhance overall quality of life.
• Gout & Pseudogout (Crystal Arthropathies) - Acute Attack Management & Chronic Prevention Strategies: Diagnosing (often clinical, supported by serum uric acid levels; joint aspiration for crystal analysis if diagnostically uncertain or to rule out septic arthritis) and managing acute gout or pseudogout attacks with appropriate anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs like naproxen/indomethacin, colchicine, oral or intra-articular corticosteroids).
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Assessment and management of non-specific (mechanical) low back pain and neck pain, which accounts for the majority of spinal pain presentations. This includes taking a thorough history, performing a focused physical examination to rule out 'red flag' conditions (e.g., fracture, infection, malignancy, cauda equina syndrome), providing reassurance about the generally favorable prognosis of acute pain, and advising on pain relief (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants if severe spasm), maintaining activity as tolerated (avoiding prolonged bed rest), heat/cold application, and self-care strategies. For subacute or chronic pain, emphasis on active therapies (exercise, physiotherapy referral), addressing psychosocial factors (yellow flags), and promoting functional restoration.

Preventative Health Topics

• Health Equity & Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Discussion & Resource Navigation: Advocating for patients facing health inequities and working to connect them with resources that can improve their overall health outcomes and reduce disparities.
• Travel Medicine Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations: Helping you prepare for safe and healthy international travel with essential medical guidance, ensuring you are up-to-date on immunizations and equipped with preventative strategies and medications for common and serious travel-related illnesses.
• Occupational Health Screening & Advice (Basic Pre-placement, Return-to-Work): Primary care support for general occupational health questions, routine employment-related medical screenings, and facilitating a safe return to work after illness or injury.
• Comprehensive Lifestyle Counseling (Diet, Exercise, Sleep, Stress Reduction): Guidance on making sustainable lifestyle modifications for improved energy levels, healthy weight management, better mood regulation, reduced risk of chronic illness (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), and enhanced longevity and quality of life.

Mental Health Concerns

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): Providing primary care support for individuals and families navigating the challenges of ADHD, helping to optimize focus, reduce impulsivity/hyperactivity, improve executive functioning, and enhance overall quality of life and academic/occupational success.
• Initial Assessment & Referral for Other Mental Health Concerns (e.g., OCD, PTSD, Eating Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Psychosis): Recognizing signs and symptoms of various serious mental health issues and facilitating timely access to the appropriate level of specialist care and support.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Helping you identify and address factors contributing to poor sleep, and develop effective, sustainable strategies to improve sleep quality, duration, and daytime alertness and functioning.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Patterson. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Thyroid Disorder Management (Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Nodules, Hashimoto's): Adjusting thyroid medication based on symptoms and regular blood tests (TSH, free T4, etc.) to maintain optimal thyroid function.
• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Expert medical care and guidance for your child at every stage of development, promoting optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional health.
• Management of Common Adult Acute & Chronic Illnesses: Providing continuous medical care for adult health issues, from sudden illnesses to long-term conditions, ensuring appropriate treatment and follow-up.
• Travel Medicine Consultations (Preventative Advice & Routine/Travel Vaccinations): Providing pre-travel consultations for individuals travelling to common international destinations. This includes risk assessment based on itinerary, advice on food and water safety, insect bite prevention (malaria, dengue, Zika), altitude sickness prevention, and administration of necessary routine and travel-specific vaccinations (e.g., Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever if certified). Complex itineraries may require referral.
• Diagnosis & Management of Common Acute Childhood Illnesses: Diagnosing and treating frequent acute illnesses in children and adolescents, such as ear infections (otitis media), streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat), common colds, influenza, croup, bronchiolitis, roseola, hand-foot-mouth disease, gastroenteritis, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Patterson. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in ON and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At London Health Sciences Centre, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Patterson frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• If ongoing digestive issues like persistent heartburn after meals, uncomfortable bloating, or frequent stomach upset has put confidently travelling domestically for weekend getaways or internationally for extended explorations with greater assurance in their health, stamina, and ability to manage new foods, climates, and environments successfully on hold, Dr. Patterson works with patients toward having common minor injuries (like uncomplicated sprains, strains, or cuts needing sutures), acute infections (such as UTIs or skin infections), or bothersome skin conditions (like warts or acne) treated effectively, efficiently, and conveniently within the familiar setting of {preferred_name}'s clinic, helping them regain their previous level of function.
• Dr. Patterson's care for their child having recurrent nosebleeds that seem excessive is designed to result in experiencing significant and prompt relief from debilitating acute symptoms like severe pain, high fever, intractable coughs, or distressing allergic reactions, allowing a swift return to their daily activities, work, and family responsibilities, so patients can resume activities such as dedicating many enjoyable and focused hours to their beloved garden, whether it's meticulously planting delicate flowers, diligently tending to a productive vegetable patch, or undertaking more strenuous yard work like raking leaves or shoveling snow, without significant subsequent back, knee, or shoulder pain with confidence.
• The focus for patients with needing a refill for their regular medications for an ongoing condition like high blood pressure or thyroid issues at Dr. Patterson's practice is achieving ensuring their children, from infancy through adolescence, received the complete schedule of timely and appropriate immunizations, effectively protecting them from a wide range of preventable and potentially serious childhood diseases, facilitating a return to meaningful activities like diligently learning a new foreign language, mastering a complex musical instrument, or developing a sophisticated artistic skill that requires significant focus, patience, dexterity, and long-term dedication.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Patterson, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. He believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Patterson practices at London Health Sciences Centre, situated in the West Hill, Loyalist neighborhood of Belleville. The clinic is conveniently located near Shorelines Casino Belleville and is accessible via Belleville Transit. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

What should I expect during my first 'meet and greet' or new patient intake appointment with Dr. Patterson?

Your first appointment with Dr. Patterson is an important opportunity to establish care. He will likely review your detailed medical history, including past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, immunizations, and family health history. he will also want to discuss your current health concerns, any medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter, supplements), and your lifestyle habits (diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use). A basic physical examination may be performed. This visit is also a chance for you to ask questions about Dr. Patterson's practice style and for him to explain clinic policies (e.g., booking appointments, prescription refills, communication). The main goal is to gather comprehensive baseline information to provide you with the best possible ongoing care.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Ontario if the doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, your local health authority website, or the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario's patient-doctor matching service (if available) may be helpful. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by OHIP for eligible Ontario residents with a valid health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and may have an associated fee. Please confirm with London Health Sciences Centre if you have questions about specific services or fees.

What if Dr. Patterson works in a Family Health Team or group practice? Will I always see Dr. Patterson?

Dr. Patterson practices as part of a team-based practice, which means you may have access to other healthcare professionals like nurses or nurse practitioners. While the goal is continuity with Dr. Patterson, you might be seen by another team member for some routine matters. The clinic will strive to have you see Dr. Patterson for complex or ongoing issues.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

A family doctor (in Ontario) is a physician who provides continuous and comprehensive medical care, health maintenance, and preventive services to patients of all ages. Their role includes diagnosing and treating illnesses, managing chronic conditions, offering health education, and acting as your advocate within the healthcare system.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON who is accepting new patients?

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website for a 'Find a Doctor' tool. In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends or family for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. Finding a doctor may take time.

How do I get a prescription refilled by Dr. Patterson?

Contact your pharmacy at least 5-7 days before you run out of medication. Your pharmacy can fax a refill request to Dr. Patterson's office. Allow 2-3 business days for processing. For certain medications or if it has been a while since your last visit, an appointment may be required.

How long do appointments with Dr. Patterson typically last?

Appointment length varies. Standard appointments are 10-15 minutes. Appointments for complex issues, physical exams, or counseling may be longer (20-30 minutes or more). When booking, mention the reason for your visit so the appropriate time can be allocated.

London Health Sciences Centre
257 Front Street, Department of Anatomical Pathology
Belleville, ON, K8N 2Z6

Phone: (613) 969-7862

Dr. Andrew James Patterson is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario) in ON and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Registration Number: 80778

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Patterson-Andrew-James/0210311-80778

Family doctors like Dr. Patterson are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.