About
Dr. Prashanthi Baskaran, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Scarborough, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare. Her practice is located within LHSC Victoria Hospital, providing easy access for patients in the area. The facility is wheelchair accessible, with parking available on-site for patient convenience.
She graduated with a Medical Degree from Saba University School of Medicine in 2017, located in the Netherlands. Following her graduation, she completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residency and specialized certifications in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her education and training ensure a high standard of clinical expertise and adherence to the latest medical guidelines.
Dr. Baskaran’s clinical philosophy emphasizes clear and educational communication, ensuring patients and their families understand their health conditions and management options. She is dedicated to serving the Scarborough community with compassion and professionalism. She speaks English fluently and is committed to providing culturally sensitive care tailored to each patient's needs.
Dr. Baskaran provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions
- Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic 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.
Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care
- Nutritional Assessment & Weight Loss: Investigating unintentional weight loss and malnutrition, providing guidance on nutritional support for older adults.
- Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
- Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
Dr. Baskaran 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 Geriatric Syndromes: Specialized care for common age-related conditions including falls, frailty, cognitive impairment (dementia, delirium), polypharmacy, urinary incontinence, and malnutrition.
- Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
- Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Baskaran. 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. Baskaran'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. Baskaran's practice is situated in the central Scarborough neighborhood, conveniently accessible within LHSC Victoria Hospital. The location is close to local points of interest such as Scarborough Town Centre and public transit routes, making it easy for patients to access. The hospital is well-connected via bus and subway lines. The facility is wheelchair accessible, and parking is available at the hospital, ensuring ease of access for all patients.
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Baskaran? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Baskaran 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. Baskaran. 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 (Cognitive Impairment & Dementia Syndromes, Investigation of Anemia), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.
- Is Dr. Baskaran affiliated with a specific hospital?
- Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Baskaran may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Toronto [if applicable, otherwise local hospitals]. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Baskaran as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.
- What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?
- A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Baskaran uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.
LHSC Victoria Hospital
3050 Lawrence Ave E, Department of Psychiatry
Scarborough, ON M1P 2V5
Phone: (416) 281-7442 | Fax: (647) 480-6289
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Baskaran 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/Baskaran-Prashanthi/0318332-111827