Dr. Michelle Paula Zeller – Internist / Geriatrician | Hamilton, ON

As a skilled Internist / Geriatrician, Dr. Michelle Paula Zeller offers expert diagnostic services and management for a wide range of adult health issues. Practicing in Hamilton, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a focus on comprehensive patient care. Her practice adheres to the highest standards established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring quality and safety in all services provided. Dr. Zeller specializes in addressing complex medical conditions affecting adults, particularly older adults, with a commitment to personalized, patient-centered care.

Dr. Zeller graduated with her Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2007.0 (Canada) and completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her certifications include board certification in Internal Medicine and additional training in geriatrics, enabling her to manage multifaceted health issues common among seniors and complex adult patients. Her education and training have equipped her with the expertise to handle a broad spectrum of medical conditions with precision and compassion.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a clear and educational approach, ensuring patients and their families understand their health conditions and management options. Dr. Zeller is dedicated to serving the Hamilton community, speaking fluent English, and providing accessible, evidence-based care. She strives to foster a trusting doctor-patient relationship, promoting health, independence, and quality of life for her patients.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Urinary Incontinence Assessment: Evaluation and management of bladder control issues common in older adults.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

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

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Zeller 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.

• 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.
• Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment: In-depth evaluation for adults with complex, unclear, or multi-system medical conditions, involving detailed history, physical examination, and coordination of necessary investigations.
• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Zeller. 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. Zeller'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. Zeller's practice is located in the Westdale neighborhood of Hamilton, within the Ainslie Wood and McMaster University area, situated in the Parkdale Queen West Community. The location is conveniently accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR). It is near the Hamilton General Hospital and McMaster University's Main Campus, making it an ideal choice for patients in the region. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Zeller 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. Zeller. 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.

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

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes or Investigation of Anemia is crucial, Dr. Zeller 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 (Urinary Incontinence Assessment), and participation in meaningful activities. Dr. Zeller's approach integrates disease management with functional support to promote overall well-being.

Parkdale Queen West Community
1200 Main Street West, Health Centre (Queen West site)
Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1

Phone: (905) 521-2100 | Fax: (905) 521-4971

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Zeller 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/Zeller-Michelle-Paula/0242390-86700