Dr. Jessica Rae Klassen – Internist / Geriatrician | Penticton, BC

Dr. Jessica Rae Klassen is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Penticton, BC, she serves the surrounding communities including Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, and Naramata Bench, which is part of the Rural South neighborhood of Penticton. Her practice is aligned with the standards and ethical guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Dr. Klassen’s role encompasses a broad scope of adult medical care, emphasizing thorough assessment and personalized management of complex health issues.

She graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree from the University of Manitoba in 2014. Dr. Klassen completed postgraduate training in Internal Medicine along with specialized certification in Geriatric Medicine. Her training includes comprehensive clinical rotations and assessments that prepare her to manage a wide array of adult and geriatric health conditions. She maintains up-to-date certifications and adheres to ongoing professional development to ensure her practice reflects current evidence-based standards.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Klassen is committed to delivering patient-centered care in a respectful and compassionate manner. She is fluent in English and focuses on establishing clear communication with her patients. Her philosophy emphasizes thorough evaluation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Her commitment to the community of Penticton is reflected in her dedication to providing accessible and quality medical services tailored to adult and senior patients.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Dr. Klassen 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.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Klassen. 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. Klassen'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. Klassen's practice is located in the Penticton Central, South End, Kaledon, Okanagan Falls, and Naramata Bench neighborhoods of Penticton, BC. The location is conveniently situated near the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, making it accessible for residents in the surrounding areas. Patients can reach her practice via the South Okanagan-Similkameen Transit System (BC Transit). The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Complex Infections Consultation). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

Does Dr. Jessica Rae Klassen 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. Klassen 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. She can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

What kind of tests might Dr. Jessica Rae Klassen order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Klassen 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.

Will Dr. Jessica Rae Klassen replace my family doctor?

No, Dr. Klassen acts as a specialist consultant. Your family doctor (or primary care provider) remains responsible for your routine healthcare, ongoing prescriptions (unless specified otherwise by the specialist), and coordinating your overall care. Dr. Klassen will communicate findings and recommendations back to your family doctor.

701 Winnipeg St, South Okanagan Medical Associates
Penticton, BC V2A 5N2

Phone: (250) 493-0887 | Fax: (250) 493-7484

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Klassen 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/344364/Klassen%2CJessica