Dr. Heidi Pauline Dutton – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

Dr. Heidi Pauline Dutton is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to expert internal medicine and geriatric services. Her practice is aligned with the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), emphasizing patient safety, quality, and ethical care.

Dr. Dutton graduated with a Medical Degree from Queen's University in 2010 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She holds key certifications that attest to her expertise in managing complex adult and elderly health issues, including hospital-based and outpatient care settings. Her training equips her to handle a wide spectrum of medical conditions with a focus on holistic and patient-centered approaches.

Her clinical philosophy centers on clear, educational communication, empowering patients to understand their health and treatment options. She is committed to serving the Ottawa community, speaking English fluently, and providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual's needs.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Dr. Dutton 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.
• Management of Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• 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.
• 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. Dutton. 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. Dutton'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. Dutton’s practice is located in the Westboro, McKellar Park, and Laurentian View neighborhoods of Ottawa. The clinic is situated within the Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia, providing integrated mental health and medical services. The location is conveniently near Billings Bridge Shopping Centre, facilitating easy access for patients. It is accessible via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and bus routes. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Dutton 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. Dutton. 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 kind of tests might Dr. Heidi Pauline Dutton order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Dutton may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

What typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Dutton 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.

Is Dr. Dutton affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Dutton may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Ottawa's local hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Dutton as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?

As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.

Hamiton Program for Schizophrenia
Suite 405, 610-1525 Carling Ave
Ottawa, ON K1Z 8R9

Phone: (888) 802-7642 | Fax: (613) 703-9757

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dutton 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/Dutton-Heidi-Pauline/0265683-92932