Dr. Richard Alexander Coutts – Family Doctor | Midland, ON

Dr. Richard Alexander Coutts is a Family Doctor. Practicing at a family doctor practice in Midland, ON, he is dedicated to providing high-quality, comprehensive, and patient-centered family medical care. He is registered with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and practices in accordance with the standards set by this regulatory body and the principles of modern family medicine. His focus is providing continuous and comprehensive primary medical care for individuals and families across all ages and stages of life. This includes preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and management of ongoing health needs, serving as the central point for patient care. He serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors.

Dr. Richard Alexander Coutts completed his Medical Degree. He brings valuable clinical experience to the practice. He has developed skills or a strong interest in areas such as comprehensive primary care within family practice. He is also dedicated to ongoing professional development to stay current with the latest advancements in family medicine.

Key aspects of his practice philosophy include a commitment to evidence-based medicine, integrating the latest research with clinical expertise to provide the highest standard of care; a strong belief in patient-centered care, ensuring that treatment plans are tailored to individual needs, values, and circumstances. He provides consultations in English.

Dr. Richard Alexander Coutts provides comprehensive family medical care for a wide variety of health concerns affecting patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Mental Health Concerns

• Anxiety Disorders (Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety - Management): Ongoing management and support for anxiety disorders, helping patients develop coping strategies, achieve symptom remission or reduction, and improve overall well-being.
• Depression & Other Mood Disorders (e.g., Dysthymia, Seasonal Affective Disorder - Management): Providing compassionate, evidence-informed primary care and management strategies for those affected by depression and other common mood disorders, with a focus on recovery and long-term stability.
• Insomnia & Chronic Sleep Disturbances: Comprehensive primary care management of common sleep disorders to restore healthy sleep patterns and improve overall health and well-being.

Common Acute Conditions

• Headaches (Tension-type, Migraine - Acute Symptomatic Relief): Management of acute migraine episodes or severe tension headaches, including advice on abortive medications, lifestyle adjustments during an attack, and strategies for future prevention.
• Allergic Reactions (Mild to Moderate - e.g., Hay Fever, Hives, Minor Food Allergy Symptoms): Providing advice on allergen avoidance, prescribing antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids or other medications for symptom relief, and discussing options like allergy testing or specialist referrals if indicated for more severe or complex allergies.
• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs - Colds, Flu, Sinusitis, Pharyngitis): Addressing symptoms such as cough, sore throat (including rapid strep testing where available), nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, and fever associated with common URTIs.
• Common Acute Skin Conditions (Rashes, Infections, Bites, Minor Burns): Addressing sudden onset skin problems, providing effective treatment, advising on skin care and hygiene to promote healing, and identifying potential triggers for allergic or irritant conditions.

Joint Muscle Pain

• Fibromyalgia & Other Widespread Chronic Pain Syndromes - Primary Care Diagnosis & Multimodal Management: Initial assessment and diagnosis of fibromyalgia or other widespread chronic pain syndromes based on established clinical criteria (e.g., ACR criteria for fibromyalgia), after appropriate investigation to rule out other underlying systemic inflammatory or medical conditions. Developing a comprehensive, multimodal management plan focusing on patient education about the condition (central sensitization, pain neurophysiology), promoting self-management, graded exercise therapy (low-impact aerobic, strength, flexibility, aquatic therapy), optimizing sleep hygiene, stress management techniques (mindfulness, relaxation, CBT principles), pain coping strategies, and judicious use of medications targeting central sensitization and associated symptoms (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine, gabapentinoids like gabapentin/pregabalin). Avoidance of long-term opioid therapy is generally emphasized.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), Tendinopathies & Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) - Initial Assessment & Conservative Management: Providing advice on activity modification (relative rest, avoiding aggravating activities), ergonomic adjustments (workstation setup, tool use), simple analgesia (NSAIDs - oral/topical, acetaminophen), ice/heat application, and appropriate referral to physiotherapy or occupational therapy for specific exercises (stretching, strengthening), manual therapy, splinting, and further rehabilitation or prevention strategies.
• Mechanical Low Back & Neck Pain (Acute, Subacute, Chronic - Uncomplicated): Primary care coordination for back and neck pain, including referral to physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, or specialist pain services when appropriate for persistent or disabling symptoms.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) - Diagnosis, Management & Monitoring (Often with Rheumatology Co-Management): Recognizing the characteristic clinical presentation of Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) in older adults (typically age >50 years) – symmetrical morning stiffness and aching in the shoulders, neck, and pelvic girdle – often associated with significantly elevated inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP). Initiating treatment with low-dose corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone 12.5-25 mg daily) which usually results in a rapid and dramatic improvement in symptoms, thus supporting the diagnosis. Vigilantly screening for and differentiating from Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA/Temporal Arteritis), which can co-exist with PMR (or occur independently) and requires urgent higher-dose steroid therapy and specialist (rheumatology/ophthalmology) referral to prevent irreversible vision loss.

This list offers some examples of common conditions managed in family practice. A diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Coutts. If your specific health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs.

• Adolescent Health Care & Counseling (Incl. Sexual Health, Mental Health, Lifestyle): Providing confidential, respectful, and age-appropriate primary care for teenagers, addressing a range of issues including puberty, acne, body image, mental health (anxiety, depression, stress), sexual health education, contraception, STI screening, substance use counseling, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise, sleep).
• Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea Management: Helping adolescents and adults manage inflammatory skin conditions effectively to improve skin appearance and quality of life.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management (Early to Moderate Stages): Monitoring kidney function (e.g., eGFR, urine ACR), managing risk factors (especially diabetes and hypertension that can worsen CKD), medication review to avoid nephrotoxic drugs, and coordinating care for patients with early to moderate stage chronic kidney disease to slow progression and prevent complications.
• Cancer Screening Coordination (Cervical, Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, Lung - as per guidelines): Proactive screening discussions and referrals for common cancers to ensure timely diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
• Assessment & Management of Anxiety, Depression & Mood Disorders: Providing comprehensive assessment, empathetic counseling, lifestyle advice (exercise, mindfulness, sleep hygiene), evidence-based medication management (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs), and facilitating timely referrals for psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, etc.) or psychiatric consultation for common mental health conditions.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Coutts. For a comprehensive understanding of all services, or to discuss your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation.

All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Family Doctors in ON and the ethical and professional standards set by The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

At Dr. Richard Alexander Coutts's practice, family medicine is centered on a collaborative partnership to help individuals like you achieve significant improvements in your health, manage ongoing conditions effectively, and enhance your overall well-being. Dr. Coutts frequently works with patients towards goals such as:

• Dr. Coutts often sees patients whose a cut that looks red, swollen, and might be infected limits their enjoyment of feeling consistently rested, fully alert, and cognitively sharp enough to drive safely and defensively for both short daily commutes and much longer, more demanding road trips or family vacations. The goal of care is to achieve gaining a much clearer and personalized understanding of their individual health risks (e.g., cardiovascular disease based on Framingham score, inherited cancer predispositions, osteoporosis risk) and practical, actionable, evidence-based steps they can realistically take to mitigate these risks effectively and restore their active lifestyle.
• For patients where their child has a foreign object stuck in their nose or ear (and it seems minor enough for the clinic) is a concern, Dr. Coutts focuses on plans that lead to having their complex chronic condition, such as advanced type 2 diabetes, congestive heart failure, difficult-to-control asthma, or multi-joint osteoarthritis, effectively managed and well-stabilized through a collaborative, evidence-based plan developed with {preferred_name}, supporting their ability to diligently learning a new foreign language, mastering a complex musical instrument, or developing a sophisticated artistic skill that requires significant focus, patience, dexterity, and long-term dedication.
• If wanting to create a healthier home environment for their family's well-being is a barrier, Dr. Coutts develops strategies aimed at having all their health concerns, no matter how seemingly small or 'embarrassing' they felt, listened to attentively, validated with respect, and addressed thoroughly and with genuine empathy, dignity, and professionalism by {preferred_name}, facilitating the ability to enjoy actively participating in ongoing professional development activities, industry conferences, or learning new, marketable skills for their current career path or potential future career transitions.

Your personalized healthcare plan, developed in discussion with Dr. Coutts, will be thoughtfully designed to help you reach your specific functional, preventative, and wellness objectives. He believes in empowering patients with the knowledge and support needed to take an active role in their health journey.

Dr. Coutts practices at a family medical clinic in Midland, situated in a family medical practice in central Midland neighborhood of Midland. The clinic is conveniently located near local community centers, schools, and shopping areas and is accessible via major local public transit routes. Street parking and nearby public or paid lots typically offer convenient options for visitors.

How can I find a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON who is accepting new patients?

Finding a family doctor in Ontario who is accepting new patients can be challenging. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario often has a "Find a Doctor" tool or list on their website. In Ontario, you can also register with Health Care Connect. Asking friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations is also helpful. You can try contacting local community health centres or new patient clinics directly. It may take time and persistence.

What does 'preventative care' involve with a family doctor like Dr. Coutts?

With Dr. Coutts, preventative care means taking proactive steps to maintain your health and prevent future illness. This encompasses services like scheduled immunizations, screenings for diseases you might be at risk for (based on age, family history, etc.), discussions about lifestyle modifications to reduce risks (e.g., related to nutrition, physical activity, substance use), and regular health assessments to monitor your overall status. Dr. Coutts works with you to create a personalized prevention plan.

Do I need a referral to see a family doctor (Family Doctor) in ON?

Generally, you do not need a referral to see a family doctor in Ontario if that doctor is accepting new patients. However, finding a family doctor who is accepting new patients can be difficult. Resources like Health Care Connect in Ontario, or your local health authority website, may be helpful in finding a doctor. A referral from a family doctor is usually required to see specialists.

What exactly is a family doctor (Family Doctor) and what is their role?

Your family doctor (Ontario) is your primary healthcare provider, expertly trained to care for a wide spectrum of health issues, from newborns to seniors. He manages acute illnesses and injuries, oversees the care of long-term chronic diseases, provides routine health screenings and lifestyle counseling, administers vaccinations, and ensures you get access to specialized medical services through referrals when needed. The continuity of care he provides, understanding your health history and individual needs, is fundamental to effective family medicine.

Can Dr. Coutts help with mental health concerns like anxiety or depression?

Yes, as your family doctor, Dr. Coutts plays a crucial role in mental healthcare. He is often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress-related issues, sleep problems, or concerns about substance use. Dr. Coutts can provide an initial assessment, offer supportive counseling and lifestyle strategies, prescribe medication if appropriate and indicated, and make referrals to specialized mental health services such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or community mental health programs if more intensive or specialized care is needed. Dr. Coutts can provide ongoing support and management for many common mental health conditions.

Is seeing a family doctor (Family Doctor) covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Medically necessary visits to a family doctor are typically covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) for eligible residents with a valid provincial health card. However, some services, such as cosmetic procedures, most travel medicine consultations, sick notes, insurance forms, and driver's medicals, may not be covered and might have an associated fee. Please confirm with our clinic if you have questions about specific services or potential fees.

What is 'continuity of care' and why is it important with a family doctor like Dr. Coutts?

Having continuity of care with Dr. Coutts means that he is your consistent point of contact for your health needs over many years. This long-term relationship allows Dr. Coutts to understand the nuances of your health, track changes over time, and provide care that is personalized and proactive. It improves communication, reduces duplication of tests, helps in managing chronic conditions more effectively, and fosters a stronger doctor-patient partnership, all leading to better overall health management.

Unit Suite 7-513, 119 Wilson Rd, Suite 7-513
Midland, ON, L4R 4K4

Phone: (705) 529-5211

Dr. Richard Alexander Coutts is regulated by the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Medicine Act, 1991 (Ontario) in ON and is a registered member in good standing with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO).

Registration Number: 31418

Verify registration with The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Coutts-Richard-Alexander/0026595-31418

Family doctors like Dr. Coutts are skilled in managing a wide range of health issues. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family doctor about all aspects of your health, including any treatments received from other practitioners.