Dr. Joanne Lawrence Lewtas – Internist / Geriatrician | Markham, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Joanne Lawrence Lewtas serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Markham, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, ensuring that her patients receive personalized and attentive medical attention. Her practice is committed to adhering to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), emphasizing safety, professionalism, and compassionate care.

Dr. Lewtas graduated with a Medical Degree from Columbia University in 1987 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training. Her education and certifications have equipped her with a deep understanding of complex adult health issues, particularly in the aging population, enabling her to deliver expert diagnostic and management services tailored to each patient’s needs.

Known for her warm and community-focused approach, Dr. Lewtas is dedicated to serving the residents of Markham and surrounding communities. She speaks English fluently and is committed to fostering a respectful and supportive environment for her patients. Her clinical philosophy centers on comprehensive, holistic care that considers all aspects of her patients' well-being, with a strong emphasis on patient engagement and education.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• 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.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• 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.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Dr. Lewtas 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.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• 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.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lewtas. 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. Lewtas'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. Lewtas's practice is located in the Greensborough neighborhood of Markham, within close proximity to Berczy Park South. The facility is situated within the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, providing a specialized environment for cardiovascular and geriatric care. Easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva, the location offers convenient public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lewtas 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. Lewtas. 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 is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Lewtas uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Lewtas 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. Lewtas 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.

Does Dr. Joanne Lawrence Lewtas handle prescription refills?

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

University of Ottawa Heart Institute
377 Church Street
Markham, ON L6B 1A1

Phone: (905) 201-0800 | Fax: (905) 201-0018

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lewtas 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/Lewtas-Joanne-Lawrence/0044514-58492