Dr. Tara Frances Powell – Internist / Geriatrician | Medicine Hat, AB

Dr. Tara Frances Powell is a dedicated Internist / Geriatrician committed to providing comprehensive medical care for adults, with a focus on complex conditions and geriatric health. Practicing in Medicine Hat, AB, she serves the surrounding communities, ensuring access to high-quality specialized care. Dr. Powell adheres to the standards and guidelines set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) to deliver safe, ethical, and evidence-based medical services.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) in 2007 from the United Kingdom and has completed extensive post-graduate medical training, including specialty certification in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Medicine. Her training has equipped her with a broad skill set to address a wide spectrum of adult health issues, particularly those affecting older adults.

Dr. Powell's clinical philosophy emphasizes a professional and patient-centered approach, combining clinical expertise with compassionate care. She is committed to serving the Medicine Hat community with integrity and professionalism. She speaks English fluently and strives to communicate clearly and effectively with all her patients.

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

Geriatric Syndromes & Focused Elder Care

• Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders: Multifactorial assessment to identify causes of falls and gait instability; implementation of prevention strategies.
• Frailty Assessment & Management: Identifying and managing frailty to improve resilience, maintain function, and enhance quality of life in older adults.
• Delirium Prevention & Management: Identifying risk factors for delirium (acute confusion) in hospitalized or ill older adults and implementing management strategies.

Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues

• Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
• Syncope (Fainting) Evaluation: Comprehensive work-up to determine the cause of fainting spells or loss of consciousness.
• Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.

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.
• Complex Infections Consultation: Providing diagnostic and management expertise for challenging infections, often in consultation with primary care.

Dr. Powell 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.
• Internal Medicine Consultation for Primary Care: Providing specialist opinion and management recommendations to family physicians for complex adult patient cases.
• Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
• 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.
• Management of Chronic Respiratory Conditions: Ongoing care for conditions such as COPD, asthma, and interstitial lung diseases, focusing on symptom control and exacerbation prevention.

Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Powell. 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. Powell'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. Powell practices in Downtown Medicine Hat, situated in the SE Hill area within the River Flats neighborhood of Medicine Hat. The location is conveniently close to the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds and accessible via Medicine Hat Transit services. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

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

In AB, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Powell 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. Powell. 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.

Is the focus mainly on diseases or also on daily function?

While diagnosing and managing diseases like Osteoporosis & Metabolic Bone Disease or Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup is crucial, Dr. Powell also places significant emphasis on maintaining or improving daily function and quality of life, especially for older adults. The goal is often to help patients remain as independent and active as possible, addressing issues like mobility, self-care (Dyslipidemia (High Cholesterol)), and participation in meaningful activities.

What is involved in a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)?

A CGA is a detailed evaluation specifically designed for older adults. It goes beyond standard medical checks to assess multiple domains including: medical conditions, medication review (polypharmacy), functional status (ability to perform daily tasks), mobility and fall risk, cognitive health (memory and thinking), mood (screening for depression/anxiety), nutrition, and social support systems. Dr. Powell uses this holistic approach to develop a personalized care plan.

Is Dr. Powell affiliated with a specific hospital?

Hospital privileges can vary. Dr. Powell may have admitting privileges or provide consultation services at specific local hospitals. This affiliation allows for coordinated care if hospitalization is required. If you are admitted, the hospital team may consult Dr. Powell as needed, or she might be involved in your care depending on the specific hospital and service arrangements. Please confirm details with the office if needed.

666 5 St SW
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6

Phone: (403) 528-5609 | Fax: (403) 528-5647

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Powell 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=41e1a659-821d-4571-a904-50c71024f65a&i=1174