Dr. Barbara Arlena Liu – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Barbara Arlena Liu offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. Liu adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality medical practice.

Dr. Liu graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1987. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine and specialized fellowships in Geriatric Medicine. Her training equips her with comprehensive expertise in managing complex adult and geriatric health conditions, emphasizing accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

Her clinical philosophy centers on clear and educational communication, ensuring patients and their families understand their health conditions and treatment options. Dr. Liu is committed to serving the Toronto community and speaks English fluently, providing accessible and respectful care to diverse patient populations.

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

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.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.

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. Liu 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.

• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• 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.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Liu. 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. Liu'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. Liu's practice is located in the Lawrence Park neighborhood of Toronto, within the London Health Science Centre. The location is conveniently near the Scotiabank Arena and easily accessible via TTC routes including subway, streetcar, and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Liu 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. Liu. 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 does Dr. Barbara Arlena Liu communicate with my family doctor?

Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Liu will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.

Does Dr. Liu handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Liu will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

What kind of tests might Dr. Liu order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Liu may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

London Health Science Centre
2075 Bayview Avenue, University Campus
Toronto, ON M4N 3M5

Phone: (416) 480-4076 | Fax: (416) 480-4178

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Liu 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/Liu-Barbara-Arlena/0044269-58247