About
As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Laurence Kwok-Leong Chau offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Oakville, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on providing comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. His practice adheres strictly to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based medical services for his patients.
Dr. Chau graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom in 1988. He has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialty certification in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, along with ongoing professional development to stay current with evolving medical guidelines and best practices.
His clinical philosophy is rooted in an evidence-based, informative approach, emphasizing personalized patient-centered care. Dr. Chau is committed to serving the adult and senior populations in Oakville, offering services in English, Cantonese, and Chinese. He is dedicated to improving health outcomes through thorough assessment, precise diagnosis, and tailored management plans.
Dr. Chau provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
- Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
- Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
Dr. Chau 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.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- 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.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
- 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. Chau. 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. Chau'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. Chau's practice is located in the Kerr Village area within the Glen Abbey East neighborhood of Oakville. The facility is situated within proximity to Joseph Brant Hospital, providing easy access for patients requiring hospital-based services. The location is conveniently near the Ford Motor Company Canadian headquarters and plant, with accessible GO Station connections and Oakville Transit services. The practice is easily accessible for patients traveling by public transportation or personal vehicle. Parking is available at the facility. The premises are wheelchair accessible, ensuring barrier-free access for all patients.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Chau? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Chau 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. Chau. 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 Dr. Laurence Kwok-Leong Chau communicate with my family doctor?
- Clear communication with your referring physician is a priority. Dr. Chau will send a comprehensive consultation letter outlining the assessment findings, diagnosis (if established), and treatment recommendations. This ensures your family doctor is fully informed and can continue to coordinate your overall care effectively.
- How long should I expect my appointment to last?
- Initial consultations with Dr. Chau 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 kind of tests might Dr. Laurence Kwok-Leong Chau order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Chau may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). He will explain why any tests are being recommended.
- 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. Chau uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
Joseph Brant Hospital
690 Dorval Dr
Oakville, ON L6K 3W7
Phone: (905) 842-3366 | Fax: (905) 842-1180
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Chau 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/Chau-Laurence-KwokLeong/0048990-62968