Description
About Dr. Tara Nova Keays
Dr. Tara Nova Keays, a respected Internist / Geriatrician, focuses on evidence-based medicine and personalized care plans. Practicing in Ottawa, ON, she serves the surrounding communities with a commitment to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring that patients receive safe and effective treatment. Dr. Keays specializes in managing complex health conditions common among adults and older adults, emphasizing a holistic approach to health and wellness.
Dr. Keays graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Toronto in 2003 and has completed extensive postgraduate medical training in Internal Medicine and Geriatric Care. Her education includes residency programs and certifications that equip her with the expertise to address a wide range of adult health issues, particularly those affecting seniors. She is committed to continuous professional development to stay current with evolving medical practices and guidelines.
With a clear and educational approach, Dr. Keays is dedicated to serving the Ottawa community. She speaks both English and French fluently, allowing her to communicate effectively with diverse patient populations. Her clinical philosophy centers on patient-centered care, emphasizing education, prevention, and personalized treatment strategies to promote optimal health outcomes for her patients.
Conditions Managed by Dr. Tara Nova Keays
Dr. Keays provides expert care for adults with a wide range of medical conditions, including:
Management of Chronic Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Monitoring kidney function, managing complications (anemia, bone disease, electrolytes), and strategies to slow disease progression.
- Chronic Liver Disease: Diagnosis and management of various liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, chronic hepatitis, and cirrhosis complications.
- Cardiovascular Conditions: Medical management of heart failure, coronary artery disease (stable), arrhythmias (like atrial fibrillation), and valvular heart disease.
Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
- Thyroid Disorders: Management of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and other thyroid conditions.
- Adrenal Gland Disorders: Diagnosis and management of conditions affecting the adrenal glands, such as adrenal insufficiency.
- Calcium and Parathyroid Disorders: Evaluation and management of conditions related to abnormal calcium levels and parathyroid gland function.
Complex Diagnostic & Multi-System Issues
- Perioperative Medical Optimization: Pre-surgical assessment and management of medical conditions to minimize operative risks and ensure smoother recovery.
- Management of Patients with Multiple Comorbidities: Coordinating care and treatment plans for individuals managing several complex health conditions simultaneously.
- Investigation of Anemia: Diagnosing the underlying cause of low red blood cell counts.
Dr. Keays 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. Tara Nova Keays
- 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.
- Driving Safety Assessment Consultation (Medical): Evaluating medical fitness to drive in older adults, considering cognitive, sensory, and physical factors.
- Cognitive and Memory Assessment: Detailed evaluation for concerns about memory loss or changes in thinking; diagnosis and management of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
- Preventative Health Risk Assessment: Evaluating individual risk factors for major chronic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis) and developing preventative strategies.
- Consultation for Undiagnosed Symptoms: Expert evaluation for patients experiencing persistent or puzzling symptoms that require specialized diagnostic investigation to determine the underlying cause.
Note: This list represents some of the key services offered by Dr. Keays. 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. Keays'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. Keays's practice is situated within the Elmvale Acres, Hawthorne Meadows, and Billings Bridge neighborhoods of Ottawa. The clinic is located within Humber River Hospital, conveniently accessible from the Southam Hall entrance of the National Arts Centre. Patients can reach the facility via OC Transpo, including the O-Train LRT and local bus services. The practice is committed to accessibility; the facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility, with ample space for patients arriving by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is payment handled for appointments with Dr. Keays? Is it covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP)?
- In ON, medical consultations with specialists like Dr. Keays 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. Keays. 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.
- Can Dr. Tara Nova Keays provide advice on healthy aging?
- Yes, as part of a comprehensive assessment, Dr. Keays can discuss evidence-based strategies for healthy aging. This might include advice on appropriate exercise, nutrition, preventative health screenings, vaccinations, cognitive health maintenance, and managing chronic conditions effectively to promote longevity and well-being.
- Why is reviewing multiple medications (polypharmacy) important?
- As people age or develop multiple health conditions, they often take many medications. Polypharmacy increases the risk of side effects, drug interactions, falls, confusion, and non-adherence. A careful review helps ensure each medication is truly necessary, effective, and safe, potentially leading to deprescribing (stopping unnecessary drugs) and simplifying the regimen.
- When should someone be referred to an Internist or Geriatrician?
- Referrals are typically appropriate for adults with complex diagnostic challenges, poorly controlled chronic diseases (like advanced Falls, Mobility & Balance Disorders or Fever of Unknown Origin (FUO) Workup), multiple interacting medical conditions, or unexplained symptoms. For older adults, referrals are common for geriatric syndromes such as falls, memory decline, frailty, or complex medication management (Chronic Respiratory Diseases). Your family doctor can best determine if a specialist consultation is needed.
- What should I do if I have an urgent medical problem?
- Dr. Keays's office provides specialist consultations and is not equipped for emergency care. If you have an urgent medical issue or emergency, please contact your family doctor, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, or call 911.
Contact & Licensing Information
Humber River Hospital
1385 Bank Street, Department of Anesthesia
Ottawa, ON K1H 8N4
Phone: (613) 523-4444 | Fax: (613) 523-6444
The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Dr. Keays 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/Keays-Tara-Nova/0201323-79428