Dr. Jegathesan Pushpapalan – Internist / Geriatrician | Ajax, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Jegathesan Pushpapalan serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Ajax, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, focusing on adults and older adults. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and ethical medical services for his patients.

Dr. Pushpapalan graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Jaffna in 1987, Sri Lanka. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, which enable him to manage complex adult health issues effectively.

His clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing personalized patient care. He is committed to serving the Ajax community and surrounding areas, speaking both English and Tamil to better communicate with diverse patient populations. Dr. Pushpapalan strives to deliver thorough, compassionate, and up-to-date medical care tailored to each individual’s needs.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• 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.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Dr. Pushpapalan 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.

• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

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. Pushpapalan. 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. Pushpapalan'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. Pushpapalan practices in the Southwood area within the Pickering Beach neighborhood of Ajax. His clinic is conveniently situated within the Niagara North Family Health Team (FHT), serving the local community. The practice is accessible from the Westney Heights Area and is near the Ajax Casino. Patients can reach the clinic via Durham Region Transit (DRT). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Pushpapalan 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. Pushpapalan. 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 Dr. Pushpapalan affiliated with a specific hospital?

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

What kind of tests might Dr. Jegathesan Pushpapalan order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Pushpapalan 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). He will explain why any tests are being recommended.

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.

Niagara North FHT
580 Harwood Avenue South
Ajax, ON L1S 2J4

Phone: (905) 683-2320

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Pushpapalan 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/Pushpapalan-Jegathesan/0203548-79533