Dr. Heather McDonald-Blumer – Internist / Geriatrician | Toronto, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Heather McDonald-Blumer offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Toronto, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice is guided by the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care.

Dr. McDonald-Blumer graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1982. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and fellowship programs in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. Her certifications and ongoing professional development reflect her commitment to maintaining expertise in her fields of specialization.

With a clear and educational approach to medicine, Dr. McDonald-Blumer is dedicated to providing thorough, compassionate care to adults, including seniors. She speaks English fluently and strives to foster understanding and trust in her patient relationships. Her commitment to improving health outcomes in Toronto and beyond is evident in her attentive, detail-oriented practice style.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• 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.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.

Dr. McDonald-Blumer 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.

• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• 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 Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. McDonald-Blumer. 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. McDonald-Blumer'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. McDonald-Blumer practices in the vibrant Kensington Market, Chinatown, and Grange Park neighborhoods of Toronto. Her office is located within Westmount Family Physicians, a central location easily accessible by public transit, including TTC subway, streetcar, and bus services. The area is close to landmarks such as the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema and Lee's Palace, making it convenient for patients to visit. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. McDonald-Blumer 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. McDonald-Blumer. 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.

Does Dr. Heather McDonald-Blumer handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. McDonald-Blumer 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.

Westmount Family Physicians
Suite 254, 60 Murray St
Toronto, ON M5T 3L9

Phone: (416) 586-4800 | Fax: (416) 586-8228

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. McDonald-Blumer 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/McDonaldBlumer-Heather/0037119-51095