Description
About Dr. Caroline Chessex
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Caroline Chessex serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care to adult patients, including seniors. Her practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical medical care for her patients.
Dr. Chessex graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1998. She completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency programs in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, equipping her with the expertise to manage complex health conditions common among older adults.
Her clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing personalized patient-centered care. She is dedicated to serving the Toronto community and speaks English, French, and Spanish, allowing her to communicate effectively with a diverse patient population. Dr. Chessex is committed to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest medical advancements.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Caroline Chessex
Dr. Chessex 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 Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
Dr. Chessex 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. Caroline Chessex
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
- 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.
- Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Chessex. 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. Chessex'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. Chessex's practice is located in the vibrant neighborhoods of Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park in Toronto. The clinic is situated within Hopital General Hawkesbury, providing convenient access for patients from the downtown core and surrounding communities. The location is in close proximity to the Toronto Reference Library and Yonge-Dundas Square, making it easy to reach via public transit. Accessibility is a priority; the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Chessex? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Chessex 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. Chessex. 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.
- Will Dr. Caroline Chessex replace my family doctor?
- No, Dr. Chessex acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. Chessex will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Chessex 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 is the appointment cancellation policy?
- We understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24-48 hours notice so we can offer the time slot to another patient waiting for consultation. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a missed appointment fee (if applicable per clinic policy). Please contact the office directly to make changes.
- What happens after the initial consultation?
- After your assessment, Dr. Chessex 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. Chessex 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
Hopital General Hawkesbury
399 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8
Phone: (416) 603-5800 | Fax: (416) 603-5274
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Chessex 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/Chessex-Caroline/0153129-72170