Dr. Derek Scott Benjamin – Internist / Geriatrician | Barrie, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Derek Scott Benjamin offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Barrie, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. He provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing personalized attention and compassionate support for his patients. Dr. Benjamin is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of adults, including seniors, through careful assessment and tailored treatment plans.

Dr. Benjamin graduated with a Medical Degree from Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine in 1997, Canada. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. His education and ongoing professional development ensure he stays current with the latest advances in his field, allowing him to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care.

With a warm and community-oriented philosophy, Dr. Benjamin values building trusting relationships with his patients. He speaks English fluently and is dedicated to serving the Barrie community with respect, kindness, and a focus on holistic health. His approach emphasizes patient-centered care, aiming to improve quality of life for adults and seniors alike.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• 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.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.

Dr. Benjamin 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.

• 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.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• 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).

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Benjamin. 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. Benjamin'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).

Located in Downtown Barrie within the East Bayfield neighborhood, Dr. Benjamin practices at Noolardi Medical Centre. The facility is situated near Park Place Shopping Centre and Sadlon Arena (formerly Barrie Molson Centre). Patients can access the clinic conveniently via Barrie Transit, with nearby parking options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Benjamin 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. Benjamin. 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 Adrenal Gland Disorders or Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders), 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 (Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

Noolardi Medical Centre
Suite 100, 15 Gallie court
Barrie, ON L4M 7G1

Phone: (705) 728-9843 | Fax: (705) 728-8476

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Benjamin 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/Benjamin-Derek-Scott/0142347-71250