Dr. Offir Spanglet – Internist / Geriatrician | Waterloo, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Offir Spanglet serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Waterloo, ON, he provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). His focus is on delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care to adults, including older adults and seniors, addressing complex health issues with a thorough and compassionate approach.

Dr. Spanglet graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 1997 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include fellowship training and ongoing commitment to professional development, ensuring he remains current with the latest clinical guidelines and best practices.

His clinical philosophy is grounded in an evidence-based, informative approach that emphasizes thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and coordination of multidisciplinary care. He is dedicated to serving the Waterloo community, speaking English fluently, and maintaining a professional, caring relationship with his patients to optimize health outcomes.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.
• Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization: Expert review of multiple medications to reduce adverse effects, eliminate unnecessary drugs (deprescribing), and simplify regimens.
• Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Spanglet 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.

• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• 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.
• Non-Surgical Management of Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of conditions like stable coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertension.
• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Spanglet. 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. Spanglet'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. Spanglet's practice is located in the Waterloo West neighborhood, specifically within the Columbia Forest and Clair Hills areas of Waterloo. The clinic is situated within St. Joseph's Health Centre, providing a convenient and accessible setting for adult and senior care. The location is close to the Moses Springer Community Centre and Waterloo North Hydro, making it easy for patients to reach. It is well-served by Grand River Transit (GRT), including bus routes and the ION Light Rail. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Spanglet 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. Spanglet. 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 are typical wait times for an appointment?

Wait times for specialist appointments can vary significantly depending on the urgency of the referral, the volume of requests, and Dr. Spanglet's availability. Our office prioritizes referrals based on medical need. We strive to see patients as promptly as possible and will contact you once the referral is processed to schedule an appointment. You can inquire about approximate wait times when booking.

Is Dr. Spanglet affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Spanglet may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at specific local hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Spanglet as needed, or he might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

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. Spanglet.

St Joseph's Health Centre
206-430 The Boardwalk, Dept of Surgery
Waterloo, ON N2T 0C1

Phone: (519) 741-5252 | Fax: (519) 741-5772

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Spanglet 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/Spanglet-Offir/0139944-71407