Dr. John Bertley – Internist / Geriatrician | Thorold, ON

Dr. John Bertley, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Thorold, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate medical care. His practice adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective treatment tailored to their individual needs.

Dr. Bertley graduated with a Medical Degree from McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in 1989. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialized residency and fellowship programs in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, which have equipped him with a broad expertise in managing complex adult health conditions and age-related issues.

With a professional and clinical approach, Dr. Bertley is dedicated to delivering evidence-based care to his patients. He speaks English fluently and is committed to serving the Thorold community with integrity and compassion. His philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing thorough assessment, clear communication, and collaborative decision-making to optimize health outcomes.

Dr. Bertley 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.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.
• 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.

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 Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Dr. Bertley 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.

• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Bertley. 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. Bertley'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. Bertley's practice is located in the central Thorold area, conveniently accessible near the neighborhoods of Thorold and within proximity to Queensway Carleton Hospital. Patients can reach the clinic via local public transit options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Bertley 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. Bertley. 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. Bertley 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. Bertley 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. John Bertley handle prescription refills?

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

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 Investigation of Anemia), 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 (Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

Queensway Carleton Hospital
204 Richmond Street
Thorold, ON L2V 5A7

Phone: (905) 682-1400 | Fax: (905) 682-1468

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Bertley 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/Bertley-John/0047298-61276