Dr. Azim A. Bharmal – Internist / Geriatrician | St. Albert, AB

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Azim A. Bharmal serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in St. Albert, AB, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care to adults, including seniors, within a warm and community-focused environment. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, ethical, and up-to-date medical attention.

Dr. Bharmal graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Saskatchewan in 1982. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, and holds certification from relevant medical boards. His ongoing commitment to professional development ensures he remains well-informed about the latest advances in adult and geriatric medicine.

Dedicated to serving the St. Albert community, Dr. Bharmal emphasizes a warm, respectful, and comprehensive approach to care. He speaks English, Gujarati, and Kiswahili, allowing him to connect with a diverse patient population and foster a trusting, friendly doctor-patient relationship. His clinical philosophy centers on holistic, patient-centered care that promotes independence, well-being, and quality of life for all his patients.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

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.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Dr. Bharmal 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.

• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Bharmal. 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. Bharmal'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 Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Bharmal's practice is located in the vibrant neighborhood of St. Albert, AB, within close proximity to Servus Credit Union Place, a popular recreation and community hub. The location is easily accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT), serving both local routes and commuter lines to Edmonton. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring convenient access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility, providing ease and comfort for those arriving by car.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Bharmal? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Bharmal are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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. Bharmal. 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.

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

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease or Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes is crucial, Dr. Bharmal 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 (Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions), and participation in meaningful activities.

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. Bharmal uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

301-200 BOUDREAU RD, Boudreau Rd
St. Albert, AB T8N 6B9

Phone: (780) 458-1117 | Fax: (780) 458-1167

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Bharmal is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=9d391af0-02f6-4b2c-b140-3f3a452bed35&i=174