Dr. Racheal Marie Head – Internist / Geriatrician | Red Deer, AB

Dr. Racheal Marie Head, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Red Deer, AB, she serves the surrounding communities with a warm, community-focused approach. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring quality and safety in all aspects of patient care. Dr. Head provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, dedicated to supporting adults, including seniors, in maintaining their health and independence.

Dr. Head graduated with a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Saskatchewan in 2018 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatric medicine. Her certifications reflect her commitment to continuous learning and clinical excellence, enabling her to manage complex adult health conditions with expertise and compassion.

Her clinical philosophy is grounded in warmth and community engagement. Dr. Head is committed to building trusting relationships with her patients and their families, ensuring that care decisions align with each individual's values and goals. She speaks English fluently and strives to create a welcoming environment where patients feel heard and respected.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• 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.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.

Dr. Head 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.

• Thyroid Disorder Management: Diagnosis and ongoing management of conditions like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Frailty Evaluation and Management: Assessing for frailty (increased vulnerability) and developing interventions to enhance resilience, function, and independence.
• 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.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Head. 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. Head'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 Alberta (CPSA).

Dr. Head's practice is located in North Red Deer, within the North Red Deer (Normandeau, Highland Green) neighborhood. The location is conveniently situated near the commercial corridor and close to the Red Deer Resort & Casino. Patients can access the clinic easily via Red Deer Transit, which provides public transportation options. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Head? Is it covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)?

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Head are typically covered by your provincial health insurance (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)) 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 Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) 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. Head. 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.

Does Dr. Racheal Marie Head discuss goals of care or advance care planning?

Yes, discussing goals of care is an important part of patient-centered practice, especially in managing chronic illness or in geriatric care. Dr. Head encourages conversations about patient values, preferences for future medical treatment, and advance care planning (including identifying a substitute decision-maker) to ensure care aligns with what matters most to the patient. She can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

3942 50A Ave
Red Deer, AB T4N 4E7

Phone: (403) 343-4929 | Fax: (403) 343-4531

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Head is a licensed physician regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. Patients are typically seen by referral from their primary care physician.

Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=ffca1b8f-7fe6-4b43-a772-482d2b8853d3&i=603