Dr. James Anthony Tessaro – Internist / Geriatrician | Vancouver, BC

Dr. James Anthony Tessaro is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves the surrounding communities. His practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Tessaro’s role involves evaluating and managing a broad spectrum of adult health issues, emphasizing individualized, patient-centered care to optimize health outcomes for his patients.

He completed his medical degree at the University of British Columbia in 2010 and has since undergone extensive postgraduate training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Dr. Tessaro holds key certifications in advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) and geriatric medicine, reflecting his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice. His training emphasizes evidence-based approaches and continuous professional development to stay current with emerging medical advances.

Guided by a professional and clinical philosophy, Dr. Tessaro values thorough assessment, compassionate communication, and collaborative decision-making. Fluent in English, he is committed to serving Vancouver’s diverse population with respect and cultural sensitivity. His approach integrates medical expertise with a holistic understanding of aging and chronic disease management, ensuring his patients receive comprehensive and respectful care throughout their health journey.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• 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.
• Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.

Dr. Tessaro 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.

• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Tessaro. As a specialist in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, he provides comprehensive diagnostic and management services. For specific inquiries about whether your condition falls within Dr. Tessaro'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. Tessaro’s practice is located in the vibrant Yaletown, Downtown South neighborhood of Vancouver, BC. The office is conveniently situated near the Gastown Historic District and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) on East Hastings. Patients can access the clinic via TransLink services, including SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express routes at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In BC, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Tessaro 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. Tessaro. 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. James Anthony Tessaro handle prescription refills?

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

Does Dr. Tessaro discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Tessaro encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. He can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

What is the appointment cancellation policy?

We understand that unforeseen circumstances arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please provide at least 24-48 hours' notice so we can offer the time slot to another patient waiting for consultation. Failure to provide sufficient notice may result in a missed appointment fee (if applicable per clinic policy). Please contact the office directly to make changes.

1081 Burrard St, St. Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6

Phone: (604) 806-8735 | Fax: (604) 806-8338

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Tessaro 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/330478/Tessaro%2CJames