Dr. Lawrence Kherr Hsien Lau – Internist / Geriatrician | Ottawa, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Lawrence Kherr Hsien Lau offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a focus on delivering comprehensive and patient-centered care. Dr. Lau adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that his practice aligns with provincial regulations and best practices in medical care.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Manitoba in 2015 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. His certifications include successful completion of residency programs and board examinations that qualify him as a specialist in his fields. Dr. Lau's training emphasizes a thorough understanding of complex adult and geriatric health conditions, equipping him to handle a broad spectrum of medical issues with expertise and compassion.

With a clinical philosophy rooted in clarity and education, Dr. Lau is committed to providing transparent, evidence-based care. He values building strong patient relationships through open communication and personalized treatment plans. Fluent in English, he is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community by addressing the unique health needs of adults and older adults, aiming to improve quality of life and promote independence whenever possible.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• 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.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes: Comprehensive assessment for memory loss/cognitive changes; diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, and others.

Dr. Lau 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 Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Lau. 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. Lau'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. Lau's practice is situated in the vibrant neighborhoods of Hintonburg, near the Civic Hospital, and in the Westboro East area of Ottawa. The location offers convenient proximity to the Supreme Court of Canada and Parliament Buildings, making it accessible for patients from various parts of the city. Patients can reach the clinic via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and local bus services. The facility is wheelchair accessible and provides a welcoming environment for all patients. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Lau 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. Lau. 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 exactly does an Internist (Internal Medicine Specialist) do?

An Internist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing complex diseases primarily in adults. They are experts in managing conditions affecting multiple organ systems (Delirium Prevention & Management, Adrenal Gland Disorders), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation or Urinary Incontinence Assessment is crucial, Dr. Lau also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization), and participation in meaningful activities.

40 Ruskin Street
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4W7

Phone: (613) 696-7000 | Fax: (613) 696-7127

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Lau 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/Lau-Lawrence-Kherr-Hsien/0315679-111523