Description
About Dr. Rakesh Vishnu Patel
Dr. Rakesh Vishnu Patel, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a warm and community-focused approach. He provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, emphasizing patient-centered treatment and holistic management. Dr. Patel adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that every patient receives safe, ethical, and effective medical attention.
He graduated with a Medical Degree from McMaster University in 1998 and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training in internal medicine and geriatrics. His certifications include fellowships and memberships in recognized medical bodies, reflecting his dedication to ongoing professional development and excellence in patient care.
Dr. Patel’s clinical philosophy is warm, compassionate, and community-oriented. He is committed to serving the Ottawa area, providing care in multiple languages including English and Gujarati. His goal is to foster trust and open communication, ensuring each patient feels valued and understood in their healthcare journey.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Rakesh Vishnu Patel
Dr. Patel provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Care for conditions like COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung disease, focusing on optimizing lung function and managing symptoms.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- 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.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease: Diagnosis, risk assessment, and treatment strategies for conditions affecting bone strength and metabolism.
Dr. Patel 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.
Clinical Services Offered by Dr. Rakesh Vishnu Patel
- Assessment of Functional Decline: Investigating and managing sudden or gradual changes in an older adult's ability to perform daily activities.
- Perioperative Medical Consultation: Assessing and managing medical risks (e.g., cardiac, respiratory) for patients undergoing surgery to ensure safety and optimize post-operative recovery.
- Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA): A holistic, multidimensional evaluation tailored to older adults, assessing medical conditions, functional ability, cognition, mood, nutrition, social support, and medication use.
- Osteoporosis and Bone Health Management: Screening, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis to prevent fractures in older adults.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Patel. 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. Patel'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).
Practice Location & Accessibility
Dr. Patel's practice is located in the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa. His clinic is situated within St. Michael's Hospital, providing easy access for hospitalized patients and continuity of care. The facility is near the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, allowing for integrated mental health and medical services. Patients can reach the clinic conveniently via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and local bus routes. The practice is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort and ease of access for all patients. Parking is available at the facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Patel? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Patel 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. Patel. 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 kind of tests might Dr. Rakesh Vishnu Patel order?
- Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Patel may order various tests to aid in diagnosis or management. These could include blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies (like X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans), electrocardiograms (ECGs), or referrals for other specialized tests (like pulmonary function tests or bone density scans). He will explain why any tests are being recommended.
- Is Dr. Patel affiliated with a specific hospital?
- Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Patel may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at Ottawa hospitals such as St. Michael's Hospital or other local facilities. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Patel 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.
Contact & Licensing Information
St Michael's Hospital
501 Smyth Road, Emergency Medicine Department
Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6
Phone: (613) 737-9830 | Fax: (613) 739-6695
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Patel 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/Patel-Rakesh-Vishnu/0149951-72255