Dr. Charles Nicholas Catton – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

Dr. Charles Nicholas Catton is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Toronto, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Dr. Catton adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his patients receive safe, ethical, and patient-centered care. His role encompasses a broad scope of internal medicine and specialized geriatric services, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 1976, Canada, and has completed extensive post-graduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include membership in relevant professional societies and ongoing participation in continuing medical education to stay current with advances in his field. Dr. Catton’s commitment to lifelong learning reflects his dedication to providing the best possible care for his patients in Toronto and beyond.

With a warm and community-oriented philosophy, Dr. Catton values building trusting relationships with his patients and their families. He speaks English fluently and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel heard and cared for. His clinical approach emphasizes holistic, personalized care tailored to each individual’s unique health needs and circumstances.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• 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.

Dr. Catton 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.

• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Catton. 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. Catton'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. Catton's practice is situated in the vibrant Bay Street Corridor (Discovery District) neighborhood of Toronto. He practices within North Toronto Eye Care Elmwood, conveniently located near major cultural landmarks such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and Kensington Market, providing easy access for diverse communities. The location is well-connected by Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) services, including subway, streetcar, and bus routes, making it simple for patients to reach the clinic. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Can Dr. Charles Nicholas Catton provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Catton can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

Will Dr. Charles Nicholas Catton replace my family doctor?

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

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 Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol) or Urinary Incontinence Assessment), 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 (Cardiovascular Conditions). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

North Toronto Eye Care Elmwood
700 University Ave
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z5

Phone: (416) 946-4580

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Catton 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/Catton-Charles-Nicholas/0025087-29910