About
Dr. Erica Caroline DiMaria is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with warmth and a community-focused approach. She adheres to the highest standards of medical practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that her patients receive safe and effective care tailored to their individual needs.
Dr. DiMaria graduated with her Medical Degree from the American University of the Caribbean in Sint Maarten in 2013. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency programs and specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her training equips her with the expertise to manage complex health conditions in adult and senior populations effectively.
Her clinical philosophy centers on warmth, compassion, and community engagement. Dr. DiMaria is committed to building trusting relationships with her patients and their families, emphasizing open communication and personalized care. She speaks English fluently and values the diverse cultural fabric of Hamilton, striving to serve her community with respect and understanding.
Dr. DiMaria provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
Dr. DiMaria 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.
- Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
- Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. DiMaria. 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. DiMaria'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. DiMaria's practice is located in the vibrant Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, within the Ainslie Wood community near the McMaster University area. The clinic is conveniently situated close to landmarks such as the Hamilton Public Library Central Branch and Dundurn Castle National Historic Site. Patients can access the clinic easily via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. DiMaria? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. DiMaria 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. DiMaria. 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. DiMaria 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. DiMaria 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.
- What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?
- A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. DiMaria uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- Does Dr. Erica Caroline DiMaria handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. DiMaria 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.
- What typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. DiMaria will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
The Ottawa Hospital
1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1
Phone: (905) 525-9140
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. DiMaria 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/DiMaria-Erica-Caroline/0288485-101522