Dr. Mehvish Mehrani

Dr. Mehvish Mehrani provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Dermatological Skin Conditions

• Bacterial Skin Infections (Impetigo, Folliculitis, Cellulitis - uncomplicated): Prompt primary care for bacterial skin infections to ensure appropriate treatment and avoid potential complications. Severe or rapidly progressing cellulitis may require hospital admission for IV antibiotics.
• Psoriasis (Mild to Moderate Plaque Psoriasis - Initial Management): Initial diagnosis and management of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, providing topical treatments (potent topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues like calcipotriol, combination products, coal tar preparations, emollients) and lifestyle advice (stress management, identifying triggers). Screening for psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Referral to dermatology for moderate to severe psoriasis (requiring phototherapy or systemic/biologic agents), psoriatic arthritis, or diagnostic uncertainty.
• Primary Care Skin Cancer Screening & Early Detection (Suspicious Mole/Lesion Assessment): Playing a vital primary care role in the early detection of skin cancer, which significantly improves prognosis, and facilitating prompt access to specialist dermatological care when needed.

Common Chronic Conditions

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) - Chronic Management: Ongoing management of chronic GERD (acid reflux) and PUD, including lifestyle modifications (diet, weight, smoking cessation), prescription of acid-suppressing medications (PPIs, H2 blockers), H. pylori testing and eradication, and monitoring for complications or need for endoscopy.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus & Prediabetes: Helping you live well with diabetes by providing ongoing education, support for self-management behaviors, access to diabetes education programs, and strategies to prevent or delay long-term complications, empowering you to take control of your health.
• Thyroid Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's, Nodules): Diagnosis, treatment (e.g., levothyroxine for hypothyroidism, antithyroid drugs or referral for hyperthyroidism), and long-term monitoring of common thyroid conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, to ensure hormonal balance, manage symptoms effectively, and screen for complications like thyroid nodules or goiter. Includes initial investigation of thyroid abnormalities (e.g., ultrasound for nodules) and coordination with endocrinology for complex cases.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) & Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Individualized, evidence-based care plans for individuals living with hypertension, focusing on patient education, shared decision-making, and promoting long-term adherence to treatment for optimal cardiovascular health.

Common Acute Conditions

• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (Acute Bronchitis, Community-Acquired Pneumonia): Care for acute lung infections, focusing on appropriate antimicrobial therapy when indicated, supportive measures (rest, hydration, symptom relief), and guidance for a full recovery, with escalation to hospital care if severe.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Addressing symptoms such as cough, sore throat (including rapid strep testing where available), nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, and fever associated with common URTIs.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Diagnosing and managing common allergic reactions such as seasonal/perennial allergic rhinitis (hay fever), mild to moderate hives (urticaria), minor localized reactions to insect stings, and initial assessment of suspected mild food allergy symptoms. Does not include anaphylaxis management which is an emergency.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Managing various acute dermatological conditions with appropriate topical or oral medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids, antihistamines) to alleviate itching, redness, pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Mental Health Concerns

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Assessment & Management (All Ages): Conducting initial assessments and ongoing management for ADHD symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults, using validated screening tools and collateral information (from parents, teachers). Providing psychoeducation, behavioral strategies, lifestyle coaching, academic/workplace accommodation discussions, evidence-based medication management (stimulants, non-stimulants), and referral to specialists (pediatricians, psychiatrists) for complex cases, diagnostic confirmation, or co-occurring conditions.
• Stress-Related Conditions, Burnout & Adjustment Disorders: Providing support, psychoeducation, and coping strategies for managing the physical and emotional impacts of acute or chronic life stressors, workplace burnout, or difficulties adjusting to significant life changes (e.g., bereavement, job loss, relationship changes, illness).
• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Supporting individuals experiencing persistent worry, panic attacks, social phobia, or generalized anxiety with a patient-centered and collaborative approach to care, focusing on symptom reduction and functional improvement.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Mehrani. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Assessment & Management of Common Joint Pain (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Back): First-line medical care for a variety of musculoskeletal complaints, aiming to alleviate pain, improve function, and guide appropriate further management.
• Hypertension & Lipid Disorder Management (High Blood Pressure & Cholesterol): Regular monitoring, evidence-based treatment (lifestyle modifications, medication selection and titration), and ongoing education for managing high blood pressure and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol/triglycerides) to reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
• Chronic Pain Management (Musculoskeletal, Neuropathic - Primary Care Approach): Initial assessment and development of a management plan for chronic pain conditions (e.g., osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain), employing a multimodal approach including lifestyle advice, exercise recommendations, non-opioid and judicious opioid medication management, pain education, and referrals to specialized pain clinics, physiotherapy, or other therapies.
• Well-Child Visits & Developmental Surveillance (Infancy to Adolescence): Ensuring your child meets key developmental stages and receives all recommended preventative health screenings and immunizations from birth through their teen years.
• Ordering & Interpretation of Diagnostic Imaging & Laboratory Testing: Interpreting test results in the context of your overall clinical picture, discussing their implications with you clearly, and arranging appropriate follow-up or further investigation.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Mehrani. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in ON and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Byron Family Medical Centre, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Mehrani frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Mehrani often sees patients whose shortness of breath that comes on suddenly or is worse than their usual asthma/COPD limits their enjoyment of feeling mentally clear, exceptionally sharp, highly focused, and consistently productive throughout their demanding workday, during important decision-making processes, or when engaged in complex cognitive tasks. The goal of care is to achieve having a clear, actionable, and well-understood plan, along with readily available support from Dr. Mehrani, for effectively managing an acute flare-up of a chronic condition like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Chronic Migraine, or Rheumatoid Arthritis (often in co-management with specialists) and restore their active lifestyle.
• Dr. Mehrani understands the impact of their child complaining of stomach aches frequently, possibly related to stress or diet. That's why treatment is geared towards finding effective, practical, and often simple solutions for common but persistently bothersome issues like recurrent allergies, chronic skin rashes, or disruptive digestive upset, expertly guided by Dr. Mehrani, helping patients get back to simply and thankfully getting through each and every day without their physical or mental health being a primary, constant source of pervasive worry, nagging discomfort, significant functional limitation, or a barrier to their desired activities with greater ease.
• If needing a prescription for preventative medication before travelling to a high-risk area for malaria has put boldly taking on new, exciting challenges or ambitious, multi-stage projects either at work or in their personal life with a strong sense of self-efficacy, physical capability, and mental preparedness on hold, Dr. Mehrani works with patients toward having all their health concerns, no matter how seemingly small or 'embarrassing' they felt, listened to attentively, validated with respect, and addressed thoroughly and with genuine empathy, dignity, and professionalism by Dr. Mehrani, helping them regain their previous level of function.
• When a tick bite and concerns about Lyme disease, especially after hiking impacts daily life, Dr. Mehrani helps patients strive for their adolescent child receiving confidential, empathetic, respectful, and age-appropriate holistic care from Dr. Mehrani for sensitive health topics including sexual health, mental well-being, body image, or substance use concerns, making activities such as spontaneously making and eagerly keeping enjoyable plans with a wide circle of friends for various social outings such as dinners out, casual coffee chats, shared recreational activities, or weekend excursions possible again.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Mehrani, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. She believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Mehrani practices at Byron Family Medical Centre, located in the Lower Town, Sandy Hill East, ByWard Market neighborhood of Ottawa. The clinic is conveniently located near Department of National Defence (Louis St. Laurent Building) and is accessible via OC Transpo (O-Train LRT, Bus). Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance; please observe local signage.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents with a valid health card. However, some services (e.g., cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, driver's medicals) may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with Byron Family Medical Centre if you have questions about specific non-insured services or potential fees.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

Your family doctor (Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. She manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care she provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

What happens if Dr. Mehrani determines I need to see a medical specialist?

If Dr. Mehrani determines that your condition requires the expertise of a medical specialist (e.g., a cardiologist, dermatologist, surgeon, psychiatrist), she will discuss the reasons with you and initiate a referral. This usually involves Dr. Mehrani sending a formal referral letter along with your relevant medical information to the specialist's office. Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the specialty and the urgency of your condition. The staff at Byron Family Medical Centre will typically inform you once the referral has been sent, and in most cases, the specialist's office will contact you directly to schedule an appointment. Please follow up with Byron Family Medical Centre if you haven't heard from the specialist's office within a reasonable timeframe, as advised by Dr. Mehrani.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON?

Generally, you don't need a referral to see a family doctor if they are accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be challenging. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario may be helpful. A referral is usually required to see most medical specialists.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON who is accepting new patients?

Check the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario website (it often has a 'Find a Doctor' tool). In Ontario, you can register with Health Care Connect. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. Contact local community health centres or new patient clinics. It can be challenging and may take time.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Mehrani?

Preventative care with Dr. Mehrani focuses on keeping you healthy and identifying potential health problems before they become serious or cause symptoms. This involves services tailored to your age, gender, and risk factors, such as routine check-ups, age-appropriate cancer screenings, immunizations, blood pressure and cholesterol checks, screening for diabetes, counseling on healthy lifestyle choices, and risk assessments. The primary goal is to prevent illness, detect diseases early, and promote your long-term health and well-being.

Does Dr. Mehrani at Byron Family Medical Centre offer virtual (video) or phone appointments?

Yes, Dr. Mehrani at Byron Family Medical Centre offers virtual (video) and/or phone appointments for certain types of consultations when clinically appropriate. These can be convenient for discussing some test results, managing stable chronic conditions, prescription renewals for ongoing medications (not controlled substances), or for certain mental health follow-ups. However, many conditions, new problems, or situations requiring a physical examination will still necessitate an in-person visit for accurate assessment and diagnosis. Please discuss with our reception staff or Dr. Mehrani if a virtual appointment might be suitable for your specific needs. Provincial health plan coverage for virtual visits may vary; please check with Byron Family Medical Centre regarding any potential fees for uninsured virtual services.

Byron Family Medical Centre
75 Bruyère Street
Ottawa, ON, K1N 5C9

Phone: (613) 241-3344

Dr. Mehvish Mehrani is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario) in ON and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Registration Number: 98419

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Mehrani-Mehvish/0281007-98419

Family doctors like Dr. Mehrani are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.