Dr. Talvi Hess – Internist / Geriatrician | Newmarket, ON

With extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care, Dr. Talvi Hess serves as a trusted medical specialist. Practicing in Newmarket, ON, she provides comprehensive care in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her practice is dedicated to adult patients, including older adults and seniors, ensuring personalized and holistic healthcare delivery. Dr. Hess adheres to the highest standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining a commitment to quality, safety, and ethical medical practice.

Dr. Hess graduated with a Medical Degree from Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry in 2006 in Canada. She has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including residency in Internal Medicine, along with specialized fellowship training in Geriatric Medicine. Her educational background and ongoing professional development enable her to stay current with advances in medical science and best practices for adult and elderly patient care.

Her clinical philosophy emphasizes a clear and educational approach, fostering open communication and patient engagement. She is committed to serving the Newmarket community with compassionate, evidence-based care. Dr. Hess is fluent in English and Estonian, allowing her to effectively communicate with diverse patient populations and provide culturally sensitive care.

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

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• 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.
• Evaluation of Undifferentiated Symptoms: Investigating complex presentations like fatigue, weight loss, or pain without a clear diagnosis.

Select Infectious & Inflammatory Conditions

• Evaluation of Inflammatory Markers: Investigating elevated inflammatory markers (like ESR or CRP) to identify potential underlying systemic conditions.
• Management of Select Rheumatologic Conditions: Care for common inflammatory conditions such as gout or polymyalgia rheumatica, or initial assessment for suspected autoimmune diseases.
• Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup: Systematic investigation to determine the cause of prolonged, unexplained fevers.

Management of Chronic Diseases

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Diagnosis, treatment titration, and long-term management of primary and secondary hypertension to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
• Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
• Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.

Dr. Hess 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.

• Medication Review and Optimization (Deprescribing): Systematic review of all medications (polypharmacy) to ensure appropriateness, minimize side effects and interactions, and deprescribe unnecessary drugs.
• Advance Care Planning Discussions: Facilitating conversations about future healthcare preferences and goals of care, including discussions about powers of attorney for personal care.
• Management of Acute Medical Issues (Inpatient Focus): Diagnosis and treatment of serious acute illnesses requiring hospital admission (often a primary role in hospital settings).
• Falls Risk Assessment and Prevention: Identifying factors contributing to falls in older adults and implementing strategies to improve balance, strength, and home safety.
• 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.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Hess. 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. Hess'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. Hess's practice is located in the central Gorham-College Manor neighborhood of Newmarket, ON, within Saint Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. The location is conveniently situated near Fairy Lake Park and is accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Hess 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. Hess. 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 typically happens during a first consultation?

During your initial visit, Dr. Hess will conduct a thorough review of your medical history, symptoms, and medications based on your referral and the information you provide. She will likely perform a relevant physical examination. Following this assessment, she will discuss Dr. Hess's findings, potential diagnoses, recommended further investigations (if any), and a proposed management plan. There will be time for you to ask questions.

What kind of tests might Dr. Hess order?

Depending on your specific medical situation, Dr. Hess 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). She will explain why any tests are being recommended.

Does Dr. Hess handle prescription refills?

Generally, ongoing prescription refills should be managed through your family doctor (primary care provider). Dr. Hess 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.

Saint Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
Suite T2121, 637 Davis Drive, Department of Internal Medicine
Newmarket, ON L3Y 2R2

Phone: (905) 898-7924 | Fax: (905) 853-8677

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Hess 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/Hess-Talvi/0233828-84517