Dr. Collin Rudy Terpstra – Internist / Geriatrician | Cambridge, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Collin Rudy Terpstra offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Cambridge, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. Dr. Terpstra provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing patient-centered treatment and holistic wellbeing. His practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in every consultation.

Dr. Terpstra graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2007, gaining a solid foundation in medical knowledge and clinical skills. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and specialized certifications, to refine his expertise in adult and geriatric health conditions. His training emphasizes evidence-based practices and continuous learning to provide the best possible care to his patients.

With a warm and community-oriented philosophy, Dr. Terpstra values building trusting relationships with his patients. He speaks English fluently and is dedicated to serving the diverse needs of his community in Cambridge. His approach focuses on compassionate care, patient education, and promoting healthy aging, ensuring his patients feel supported and empowered in their health journeys.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic 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.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

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

Dr. Terpstra 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.

• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• 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 Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Terpstra. 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. Terpstra'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. Terpstra’s practice is located in the North Galt area, within the Saginaw neighborhood of Cambridge. His clinic is situated inside the Four Villages Community Health Centre (CHC), providing easy access for community members. The location is conveniently close to various plazas and the Cambridge Memorial Hospital, making it accessible for patients from surrounding areas. Public transportation options via Grand River Transit (GRT) are available, ensuring accessible travel for all. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Terpstra 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. Terpstra. 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. Collin Rudy Terpstra handle prescription refills?

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

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.

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. Terpstra.

Can Dr. Collin Rudy Terpstra provide advice on healthy aging?

Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Terpstra 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.

Four Villages CHC
1730 Bishop Street North
Cambridge, ON N1T 1N4

Phone: (519) 578-1500 | Fax: (519) 800-3732

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Terpstra 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/Terpstra-Collin-Rudy/0242399-86587