Dr. Joanna Colleen Dionne – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

Dr. Joanna Colleen Dionne, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to delivering comprehensive and compassionate healthcare. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality medical services for her patients.

She provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, addressing the complex health needs of adults, including seniors. Dr. Dionne's medical education includes graduating with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2012, a leading institution in Canada. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residency programs in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, which equip her with the skills to manage a wide array of medical conditions.

Dr. Dionne's clinical philosophy emphasizes clear communication, patient education, and individualized treatment strategies. She is dedicated to serving the Hamilton community and speaks English fluently. Her goal is to empower patients through education and collaborative decision-making, fostering a respectful and trusting healthcare environment.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

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.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Dr. Dionne 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.

• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• 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.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• 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. Dionne. 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. Dionne'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. Dionne's practice is situated in the Hamilton Mountain Central neighborhood, specifically within the Inch Park and Eastmount areas of Hamilton. The clinic is conveniently located within the Dorothy Ley Hospice, providing a dedicated environment for comprehensive adult and geriatric care. The location is in close proximity to the Hamilton General Hospital and Eastgate Square in the East End. Patients can access the clinic easily via the Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) public transportation system. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Dionne 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. Dionne. 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 happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Dionne will typically send a detailed consultation report with findings and recommendations to your referring physician. Depending on your specific situation and the reason for referral, Dr. Dionne may arrange follow-up appointments, order further tests, or transition care management back to your family doctor with specialist guidance. The plan will be discussed with you.

Dorothy Ley Hospice
711 Concession Street
Hamilton, ON L8V 1C3

Phone: (905) 521-2100

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dionne 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/Dionne-Joanna-Colleen/0280741-98573