Dr. Luciana Parlea – Internist / Geriatrician | Kitchener, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Luciana Parlea serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Kitchener, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice is committed to adhering to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring high-quality, evidence-based medical services for her patients. Dr. Parlea primarily serves adult patients, including older adults and seniors, addressing a wide spectrum of health concerns with professionalism and precision.

Dr. Parlea graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Ottawa in 2004, completing extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. Her certifications include successful completion of residency programs and ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest medical advancements and practices.

Her clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based and informative approach, emphasizing personalized care, thorough diagnostics, and patient education. She is dedicated to serving the community of Kitchener, speaking fluently in English and Romanian, and fostering a respectful, compassionate, and informed healthcare environment.

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

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

• Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
• 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.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol): Assessment and management of abnormal lipid levels through lifestyle advice and medication to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.

Dr. Parlea 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 Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Parlea. 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. Parlea'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. Parlea's practice is located in the Forest Heights area of Kitchener, within the Ontario Tech Medical Hub (OTMH). The clinic is situated in the Forest Hill neighborhood, with convenient access from the Westmount Area and proximity to the Forest Heights Community Library. Patients can easily reach the clinic via Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus and ION Light Rail services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Parlea 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. Parlea. 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 should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring:

• Your provincial health card (Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) 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. Parlea.

What kind of tests might Dr. Parlea order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Parlea 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). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

Does Dr. Parlea handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Parlea will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

OTMH
564 Belmont Avenue West
Kitchener, ON N2M 5N6

Phone: (226) 772-0001 | Fax: (519) 579-2138

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Parlea 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/Parlea-Luciana/0211002-80772