Dr. Clara Lu – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Clara Lu, 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 and patient-centered healthcare. Her practice adheres strictly to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). Dr. Lu provides extensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adult patients, including seniors.

Dr. Clara Lu graduated with her Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2017 and has completed extensive post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her certification and ongoing professional development ensure she remains current with the latest evidence-based practices and clinical guidelines for adult and geriatric patient populations.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Lu is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community through compassionate care and clinical excellence. She speaks English fluently and is committed to providing accessible and respectful healthcare tailored to each patient's unique needs.

Dr. Lu 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.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.

Dr. Lu 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.

• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• 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.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lu. 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. Lu'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. Lu's practice is located in the vibrant Hintonburg neighborhood of Ottawa, with close proximity to the Civic Hospital and the Westboro East area. The location is conveniently accessible from Billings Bridge Shopping Centre and the Centretown Business Area. Patients can reach the clinic via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lu 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. Lu. 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 Complex Infections Consultation or Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation), 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.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Lu.

What kind of tests might Dr. Clara Lu order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Lu may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

1053 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9

Phone: (613) 761-5164 | Fax: (613) 761-4036

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lu 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/Lu-Clara/0317916-112339