Dr. Cassandra Lee-Ann Hawco – Internist / Geriatrician | Barrie, ON

Dr. Cassandra Lee-Ann Hawco, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Barrie, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm, community-focused approach. She is committed to providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing the importance of holistic and patient-centered treatment. Dr. Hawco adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) to ensure quality and safety in all her clinical practices.

Dr. Hawco graduated with a Medical Degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine in 2018. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, equipping her with advanced skills to manage complex adult and senior health conditions. Her training emphasizes a thorough understanding of multi-system diseases and the importance of multidisciplinary care approaches.

Her clinical philosophy is rooted in warmth, compassion, and a deep commitment to her community. She believes in fostering trusting relationships with her patients and their families, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout their healthcare journey. Dr. Hawco speaks fluent English and is dedicated to serving her diverse patient population with respect and empathy.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• 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.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• 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. Hawco 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.

• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Hawco. 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. Hawco'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. Hawco's practice is located in Downtown Barrie, within the East Bayfield neighborhood. The clinic is situated within the Canadian Forces Health Services Centre, providing a secure and professional environment. The location is conveniently accessible from the South Barrie GO Station and is well-served by Barrie Transit routes. Parking is available at the facility, and the entire building is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Hawco 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. Hawco. 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.

Does Dr. Cassandra Lee-Ann Hawco handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Hawco 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?

Dr. Hawco's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.

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.

Canadian Forces Health Services Cen
125 Bell Farm Road
Barrie, ON L4M 6L2

Phone: (705) 725-8440 | Fax: (705) 725-8645

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hawco 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/Hawco-Cassandra-LeeAnn/0324834-116240