Description
About Dr. Heather Lynne McPhaden
Dr. Heather Lynne McPhaden is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Surrey, BC, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to specialized internal medicine and geriatric services. Her practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), emphasizing evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Dr. McPhaden graduated with her MD from Université Laval in 2019, completing rigorous postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She has earned key certifications in advanced geriatric assessment, fracture prevention, and chronic disease management, ensuring she is well-equipped to address the complex healthcare needs of her adult and senior patients.
Her clinical philosophy centers on delivering evidence-based, informative care tailored to each individual's needs. She is committed to improving health outcomes in Surrey and speaks both English and French, facilitating communication with diverse patient populations. Dr. McPhaden aims to foster a collaborative, respectful environment where patients and their families are active participants in health management.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Heather Lynne McPhaden
Dr. McPhaden provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
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. McPhaden 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Heather Lynne McPhaden
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
- Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- 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.
- Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. McPhaden. 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. McPhaden'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 British Columbia (CPSBC).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. McPhaden’s practice is located in the West Newton area, within the Strawberry Hill neighborhood of Surrey. The location is conveniently situated near the boundary with Delta, offering easy access for residents of Surrey, Delta, and surrounding communities. Patients can reach the clinic via TransLink, including the SkyTrain Expo Line and local bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. McPhaden? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?
- In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. McPhaden are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Medical Services Plan (MSP)) 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 Medical Services Plan (MSP) 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. McPhaden. 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.
- Will Dr. Heather Lynne McPhaden replace my family doctor?
- No, Dr. McPhaden acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. McPhaden will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.
- Does Dr. Heather Lynne McPhaden handle prescription refills?
- Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. McPhaden 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 should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. McPhaden's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.
- 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. McPhaden uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
Contact & Licensing Information
13750 96 Ave, BC Cancer Surrey
Surrey, BC V3V 1Z2
Phone: (604) 930-2098
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. McPhaden is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/367309/McPhaden%2CHeather