Dr. Helen Louise Anderson – Internist / Geriatrician | Victoria, BC

Dr. Helen Louise Anderson, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Victoria, BC, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to comprehensive and compassionate care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective medical services. Dr. Anderson's role encompasses a broad scope within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, with a particular interest in enhancing health outcomes for adult patients, including seniors.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) from the University of Auckland in 1990, New Zealand. Following her graduation, Dr. Anderson completed extensive postgraduate training, including certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics, to refine her expertise in managing complex adult health conditions. Her training emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care, integrating medical knowledge with respectful patient engagement.

Driven by a clear and educational clinical philosophy, Dr. Anderson is dedicated to providing patient-centered care that prioritizes understanding, education, and shared decision-making. She speaks English fluently and is committed to serving the diverse population of Victoria with professionalism and compassion. Her focus remains on improving quality of life and supporting patients in maintaining independence as they age.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
• Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

Dr. Anderson 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.

• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• 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.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Anderson. 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. Anderson'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).

Dr. Anderson's practice is located in the Fairfield East area of Victoria, within the Oaklands neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre (Arena) and the Bay Centre Shopping Mall, making it easily accessible for patients in the region. The location is well-served by the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring public transportation options are available. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Anderson? Is it covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP)?

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Anderson 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. Anderson. 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.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is crucial, Dr. Anderson also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Thyroid Disorders), and participation in meaningful activities.

Does Dr. Anderson handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Anderson 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. Anderson'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 are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Anderson's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

2410 Lee Ave, Vancouver Island Cancer Centre, BC Cancer Agency
Victoria, BC V8R 6V5

Phone: (250) 519-5572

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Anderson 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/325459/Anderson%2CHelen