Dr. Harpaul Singh Cheema – Internist / Geriatrician | Richmond Hill, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Harpaul Singh Cheema offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Richmond Hill, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm, community-focused approach. Dr. Cheema provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, ensuring that patients receive thorough evaluations and tailored treatment plans. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), prioritizing patient safety, quality, and compassionate care.

Dr. Cheema graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2008 in Canada. He completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, with a focus on complex adult and geriatric health conditions. His certifications and ongoing professional development ensure he stays current with the latest evidence-based practices in his specialty areas.

He is dedicated to providing a warm and community-oriented clinical environment. Dr. Cheema speaks English fluently and is committed to serving the diverse population of Richmond Hill. His philosophy emphasizes holistic, patient-centered care, fostering trust and collaboration to optimize health outcomes for his patients.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.

Dr. Cheema 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.

• 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.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• 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.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Cheema. 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. Cheema'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 the heart of the Mill Pond neighborhood of Richmond Hill, Dr. Cheema's practice is conveniently situated in central Richmond Hill, close to Headwaters Community Park. The location is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva, providing convenient transportation options for patients. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility for those arriving by car, making your visit as seamless as possible.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Cheema 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. Cheema. 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. Cheema 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. Cheema 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 typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Cheema will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. He will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, he will discuss Dr. Cheema's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Cheema, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

How long should I expect my appointment to last?

Initial consultations with Dr. Cheema are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.

6th Floor, 10 Trench St
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 4Z3

Phone: (905) 883-2310

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Cheema 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/Cheema-Harpaul-Singh/0250050-88328