Dr. Kevin Lee Patterson – Internist / Geriatrician | Salt Spring Island, BC

Dr. Kevin Lee Patterson is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Salt Spring Island, BC, he serves the surrounding communities. His practice adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care. His role emphasizes the management of adult and senior patients with multifaceted health needs, integrating clinical expertise with compassionate patient-centered approaches.

Dr. Patterson graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 1989 and has completed extensive post-graduate training in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He holds relevant certifications and has engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with evolving medical practices. His certifications include completion of residency training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, along with ongoing medical education in advanced geriatric assessments and chronic disease management.

His clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing thorough assessment, individualized treatment plans, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Dr. Patterson is committed to serving the Salt Spring Island community and speaks fluent English. He strives to enhance health outcomes and quality of life for his patients through careful diagnosis, management, and education, fostering a trusting and respectful doctor-patient relationship.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• 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.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Dr. Patterson 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.

• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Patterson. 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. Patterson'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. Patterson’s practice is located in a tranquil area near the central Salt Spring Island neighborhood of Salt Spring Island, easily accessible to residents from surrounding communities and points of interest such as Ganges Village and Mount Maxwell Provincial Park. The facility is reachable via local public transit, making it convenient for patients to attend appointments. The practice location is fully wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

Is Dr. Patterson affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Patterson may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at specific local hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Patterson as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?

Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases, 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. Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Medical Services Plan (MSP) card).
• The referral letter if you have it.
• A complete list of ALL your current medications (prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs), including doses. Bringing the actual bottles/packaging is often very helpful.
• A list of your past medical history, surgeries, and known allergies.
• Any relevant medical reports, lab results, or imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) reports you possess.
• A list of your specific questions or concerns for Dr. Patterson.

114 Village Terr
Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2V2

Phone: (250) 538-8499

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Patterson 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/311349/Patterson%2CKevin