Dr. Stephen Chao – Internist / Geriatrician | Windsor, ON

Dr. Stephen Chao, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Windsor, ON, he serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. He adheres to the standards and guidelines established by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring the highest quality of medical practice. Dr. Chao specializes in managing complex adult health conditions, with particular expertise in geriatric medicine, aiming to improve health outcomes and quality of life for his patients.

He graduated with a Medical Degree from the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1996 in Canada. Following his graduation, Dr. Chao completed extensive postgraduate medical training, including residencies and fellowships in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine, which provided him with a broad foundation in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of adult and elderly health issues.

Dr. Chao’s clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and clinical approach, prioritizing patient-centered care and evidence-based practices. He is dedicated to serving the Windsor community and speaks English fluently. His approach involves thorough assessment, personalized treatment planning, and ongoing patient education to support optimal health and well-being.

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

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2): Comprehensive management including glucose control strategies, complication prevention, and patient education.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.

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.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

Dr. Chao 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.

• Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Caregiver Support and Education: Providing information, resources, and guidance to family members and caregivers involved in the care of an older adult.
• Geriatric Psychiatry Liaison Support: Assessing and managing mood disorders (like depression, anxiety) and behavioral changes often associated with dementia or other conditions in older adults.
• Second Opinion Consultations: Providing an independent expert review and opinion on complex diagnoses or treatment plans.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Chao. 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. Chao'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. Chao's practice is located in the Walkerville area within the Ottawa Street Village neighborhood of Windsor. The facility is situated along a busy commercial corridor, providing convenient access for patients. It is accessible via Transit Windsor, with multiple bus routes serving the area. The practice is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Chao 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. Chao. 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. Stephen Chao 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. Chao 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. He can provide information and facilitate these discussions.

Does Dr. Stephen Chao handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Chao will make initial recommendations or adjustments, but routine refills are best handled by your family doctor who manages your overall care, unless specific arrangements are made for certain specialized medications.

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 (Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & 2), Polypharmacy & Medication Optimization), handling challenging diagnostic puzzles, and coordinating care for patients with multiple chronic illnesses. They often serve as consultants to other physicians.

1720 Howard Avenue
Windsor, ON N8X 5A6

Phone: (519) 256-8338 | Fax: (519) 258-7337

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Chao 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/Chao-Stephen/0117236-69988