Dr. David Andrew Alter

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Dr. Alter 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.
• 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.
• 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. Alter. 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. Alter'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. Alter's practice is situated in the Milton Central/North/East neighborhoods, including Old Milton, Dempsey, Clarke, Beaty, and Coates. The location is conveniently close to Milton Education Village (Laurier/Conestoga Campus) and Milton District Hospital. Patients can access the clinic via Milton Transit, which provides accessible public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Alter will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Alter may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

Suite 107, 6941 Derry Rd W
Milton, ON L9T 7H5

Phone: (905) 878-9805 | Fax: (905) 878-6358

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Alter 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/Alter-David-Andrew/0048463-62441