Dr. Larry Dian – Internist / Geriatrician | Vancouver, BC

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Larry Dian serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Vancouver, BC, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. His practice adheres to the standards and regulations set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). Special interests within Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care include specialty practice in geriatric medicine and internal medicine, emphasizing a holistic approach to adult health, especially in older adults.

Dr. Dian graduated with a MB BCh from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1978 (South Africa). He has completed relevant postgraduate training and certifications in internal medicine and geriatrics, maintaining ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices and guidelines in his fields of expertise.

His clinical philosophy is rooted in a professional and clinical approach, prioritizing evidence-based medicine and compassionate patient care. Dr. Dian is committed to serving the Vancouver community with integrity and excellence. He communicates fluently in English and values clear, respectful interactions with his patients and colleagues alike.

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Dr. Dian 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.

• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• 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 Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
• Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Dian. 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. Dian'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. Dian's practice is located in the Fairview neighborhood of Vancouver, within the Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre at Vancouver General Hospital. The location is in close proximity to the Vancouver Art Gallery and easily accessible via TransLink services, including the SkyTrain Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines, as well as bus routes, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express at Waterfront Station. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

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

How does a Geriatrician's role differ?

A Geriatrician is an Internist (or Family Physician) with additional specialized training focused on the unique health needs of older adults (often 65+). They excel at managing 'geriatric syndromes' like falls, frailty, memory loss (Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities), and polypharmacy (multiple medications). Dr. Dian, with expertise in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, applies principles of geriatric care to optimize health, function, and quality of life for older patients. He often takes a very holistic view, considering social and functional aspects alongside medical issues.

How long should I expect my appointment to last?

Initial consultations with Dr. Dian are comprehensive and typically require more time, often ranging from 45 to 75 minutes, depending on the complexity of your medical history and concerns. Follow-up appointments are usually shorter. We recommend allowing ample time for your visit, including check-in and potential waiting periods.

What happens after the initial consultation?

After your assessment, Dr. Dian 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. Dian 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.

Gordon & Leslie Diamond Hlth Care Ctr - VGH
7th Floor-2775 Laurel St, Gordon & Leslie Diamond Hlth Care Ctr - VGH
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9

Phone: (604) 875-5706 | Fax: (604) 875-5696

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Dian 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/352899/Dian%2CLarry