About
With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Heather Nicole Racz serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Kitchener, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on adult patients including seniors. Her practice adheres to the high standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring safe, ethical, and patient-centered medical services.
Dr. Racz graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2003 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency and specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her training emphasizes a holistic approach to complex adult health issues, combining evidence-based medicine with compassionate care.
Her clinical philosophy is grounded in professionalism and clinical excellence. Dr. Racz is committed to serving the community of Kitchener with a focus on quality, comprehensive assessments, and personalized treatment plans. She communicates fluently in English and values clear, respectful interactions with her patients and their families.
Dr. Racz provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- 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.
- Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- 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.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Dr. Racz 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.
- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
- Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
- 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. Racz. 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. Racz'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. Racz practices in the Forest Heights area within the Forest Hill neighborhood of Kitchener. The practice is conveniently located near the Grand River Hospital (KW Campus), with easy access via Grand River Transit (GRT) bus routes and the ION Light Rail system. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Racz? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Racz 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. Racz. 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 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. Racz uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
- Can Dr. Heather Nicole Racz provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Racz can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Racz 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.
- Is Dr. Racz affiliated with a specific hospital?
- Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Racz may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Kitchener hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Racz as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.
564 Belmont Avenue West
Kitchener, ON N2M 5N6
Phone: (519) 954-6021 | Fax: (519) 954-6251
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Racz 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/Racz-Heather-Nicole/0200908-79175