Description
About Dr. Kartiga Thiyagarajah
Dr. Kartiga Thiyagarajah is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in St. Catharines, ON, she serves the surrounding communities, offering expert internal medicine and geriatric services. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in patient care.
Dr. Thiyagarajah graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 2015 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. She holds key certifications relevant to her specialties, including certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine.
Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and evidence-based approach, focusing on holistic patient care and individualized treatment plans. She is committed to serving the community of St. Catharines and speaks English fluently, ensuring clear communication with her patients and their families.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Kartiga Thiyagarajah
Dr. Thiyagarajah 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.
- Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- 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.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
- Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
- Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
Dr. Thiyagarajah 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Kartiga Thiyagarajah
- Management of Complex Chronic Diseases: Ongoing care and treatment optimization for adults managing multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, hypertension, and respiratory illnesses.
- Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
- Coordination of Specialist Care: Acting as a central point of contact to help manage and coordinate input from various medical specialists for patients with multi-system diseases.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Thiyagarajah. 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. Thiyagarajah'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Thiyagarajah's practice is situated in the central area near the neighborhood of St. Catharines, within the Primrose Family Medicine Centre. The clinic is conveniently accessible from key local points of interest and is well-served by public transit routes. Patients can reach the facility easily from surrounding communities in the Niagara region. The practice is located within a modern medical building with parking available on-site. The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring ease of access for all patients. Metered street parking is also available nearby for additional convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Thiyagarajah? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Thiyagarajah 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. Thiyagarajah. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?
- During your initial visit, Dr. Thiyagarajah will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss her findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.
- 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. Thiyagarajah uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
Contact & Licensing Information
Primrose Family Medicine Centre
219 Queenston Street
St Catharines, ON L2P 2W9
Phone: (905) 685-8082 | Fax: (905) 988-5776
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Thiyagarajah 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/Thiyagarajah-Kartiga/0302625-106084