Dr. Cathy Christina Code – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Cathy Christina Code, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to delivering comprehensive internal medicine and geriatric care. Her practice is guided by the standards and ethical principles set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality and safe patient care.

She graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1998 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her certifications include certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, reflecting her specialized expertise and dedication to continuous professional development.

Dr. Code’s clinical philosophy emphasizes clear communication and education, empowering her patients to understand their health conditions and treatment options. She is committed to serving the Ottawa community and speaks both English and French fluently, facilitating accessible and inclusive care for diverse patient populations.

Dr. Code 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.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.

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 Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Dr. Code 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.

• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Code. 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. Code'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. Code's practice is located in the vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood within the Civic Hospital area and the Westboro East community of Ottawa. Her clinic operates within the ARVA Clinic, situated close to major landmarks such as Confederation Square and the National War Memorial. The location offers convenient access via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation or Complex Infections Consultation), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Frailty Assessment & Management). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

Does Dr. Cathy Christina Code handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Code 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.

Will Dr. Cathy Christina Code replace my family doctor?

No, Dr. Code 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. Code will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.

the arva clinic
1053 Carling Ave.
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 761-4473 | Fax: (613) 761-4186

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Code 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/Code-Cathy-Christina/0149888-72381