Dr. Cesar Mauricio Rodriguez Velez – Internist / Geriatrician | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Cesar Mauricio Rodriguez Velez, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Medicine Hat, AB, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to high-quality healthcare. He provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, ensuring that adult patients, including seniors, receive tailored medical attention in a compassionate and professional manner. Dr. Velez adheres to the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), maintaining the highest standards of practice.

Graduating with a Medico Cirujano degree in 2000 from Colombia, Dr. Velez has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residencies and certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. His educational background and ongoing professional development enable him to stay current with the latest advances in adult and senior healthcare, providing evidence-based and patient-centered services.

Driven by a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Velez is dedicated to serving the Medicine Hat community with integrity and compassion. He speaks English and Spanish fluently, allowing effective communication with diverse patient populations. His philosophy emphasizes personalized care, ongoing patient engagement, and collaborative management to optimize health outcomes and quality of life for his patients.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Dr. Velez 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 Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• 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.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Velez. 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. Velez'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. Velez's practice is situated in Downtown Medicine Hat, within the SE Hill area, in the River Flats neighborhood. The location is conveniently close to Co-op Place (Arena) and the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds. Patients can access the facility via Medicine Hat Transit, ensuring ease of transportation. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, with additional metered street parking nearby for patient convenience.

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

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Velez 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. Velez. 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 Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders or Frailty Assessment & Management is crucial, Dr. Velez 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.

How does Dr. Cesar Mauricio Rodriguez Velez communicate with my family doctor?

Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Velez 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.

666 5 St SW, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6

Phone: (403) 528-5609 | Fax: (403) 528-5647

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Velez 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=960bda3d-5aae-48ae-8110-c94a918c0609&i=1238